Mobile Number Portability - Revisited

A year back, I blogged about the "Mobile Number Portability" and its possible usage in India. 


While I was predicting that the customer would still be cribbing, albeit for the new provider, since every provider appears to be providing same quality of service. However, today's news made me aware that I had forgotten about a particular aspect completely. Willingness of the operators to let go of the existing customer - it seems to be playing a key role in making MNP not so widely used in India even after a year. As per the current statistics only about 2 percent subscribers have opted for MNP, whereas in other countries the percentage has been in the range of 4 to 16 percent. Even TRAI was expecting the usage of this facility by about 10% of the subscribers.


A quick search on MNP issues, landed me with this page, which is talking of the same issues which TRAI has pointed out in today's report. 


I wonder if this is cartel. All providers deciding to keep their own subscribers so that no one fears of loosing, albeit at the cost of possible upside... What do you think?


BTW, anyone from the readers, who has opted for MNP? If yes, what is your experience so far?
Location: Mumbai Pune Bypass Rd, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra, India

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