Ringing in number portability

TRAI and the Telecom Ministry are now trying to ring in number portability at the earliest. This will allow mobile users to retain their existing numbers even when they switch operators.

New rules of the game Number portability to be introduced within six months Guidelines and norms being chalked out To be restricted to the major metros

Telecom Secretary Siddharth Behura told BT: “We will be able to implement it within six months”.

TRAI officials, when contacted, confirmed that work was on to facilitate number portability soon, adding that “guidelines and norms for the process are being chalked out and that is taking some time. Also, the technology platform needs to be built”.

However, they said, it will not be a pan-India initiative.

The move will give more choice and freedom to subscribers.

—Amit Mukherjee