Goof up on MNP scheme, DoT-Trai warn operators

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) acts in response to growing complaints from subscribers that they were finding it difficult to switch operators under the new mobile number portability (MNP) scheme. Consumers can retain their mobile number but change to a new operator, under MNP. It is estimated 125,000 to 150,000 subscribers have already made such a request since MNP was launched across the country last week.

DoT's Telecom Enforcement, Resource and Monitoring (TERM) Cell sent notices to all operators, with a warning to comply or face stiff action. Many instances of non-compliance and violations are being brought to the notice of the TERM Cell by customers. The conditions laid down by DoT and Trai regarding MNP are to be followed in letter and spirit. Any instance of violation of these may lead to penalty and other strict action as DoT may deem fit to take.

Under no condition is the SMS to 1900 for UPC generation to be treated differently. It has been reported that a few telecom service providers are resorting to a regret message like 'Sorry customer, please try after some time'. Some operators from where customers wished to shift, after sending the UPC, were rejecting the application, saying the UPC was not correct, though it was the same number sent to the subscriber. If a SMS is received on 1900, it is to be responded with the UPC. Most companiesave got about 50,000 to 100,000 customers who have requested for the code number in the last few days. However, about 30 per cent of them have not taken the next step of making a request for change after they get a call from their current operator.