Number porting rules relaxed for users on new 2G network

The telecom regulator has relaxed mobile number porting rules for subscribers on the new 2G operators’ network. Subscribers who are on the new player’s network need not wait for the mandatory 90-day period if they want to shift to another mobile service provider.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has taken this decision because the new players’ licences are scheduled to be cancelled by September 7, which is less than 90 days from now.
While most of the new operators have already shut down operations, this could impact Uninor and Sistema Shyam, the two players that are still offering services in the market. The two operators account for about 55 million subscribers.
Under the earlier regulation, it was mandatory for subscribers to stay on a network for at least 90 days before they could apply for porting their number.
This rule will continue to be applicable to subscribers on the older operators’ network. MNP was introduced in 2010 and has since seen been availed by about 30 million subscribers with Idea Cellular being the biggest gainer.