India recorded an impressive wireless broadband user base of 840.12 million as of August 31, 2023. Interestingly, the implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) has witnessed a substantial 877.43 million requests by the same date, allowing users to switch telecom operators while retaining their phone numbers. However, a report from thehindubusinessline reveals a concerning trend – over 2 million MNP requests are rejected monthly in India.
The reasons behind the rejection of MNP requests are multifaceted and lack a simple explanation. Reliance Jio, in collaboration with MNP Interconnection Telecom Solutions India (MITS), has approached the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to address what they perceive as unfair practices by certain Indian telcos leading to MNP rejections.
Jio contends that existing measures designed to assist customers in porting their numbers are being exploited by competitors to hinder porting. Current rules dictate that a customer porting to another telco must clear all outstanding dues with the current operator. However, Jio alleges that some telcos are withholding information on pending dues, causing delays or rejections of MNP requests. Consequently, Jio advocates for the abolition of rules linking non-payment of dues to porting eligibility.
Furthermore, Jio asserts that some telcos engage in misleading practices, resulting in the cancellation of porting requests, particularly concerning SMS-based porting. Telcos, posing as the desired porting destination, allegedly initiate processes that lead to the inadvertent cancellation of porting requests. Recognizing the severity and ethical concerns of such practices, Jio has urged the elimination of the SMS-based porting process.
