Mobile Number Portability seems to have brought about a slew of problems for subscribers, including complaints of being charged Rs 5,000, despite TRAI order stating that the fee cannot exceed Rs 19

Of the 3.18 lakh porting requests registered in Karnataka since January 20, when Mobile Number Portability (MNP) was implemented, not even half that number has been taken ahead.


After fighting with a leading network for over a month, Kartik realised that he should approach the higher authorities

Also, subscribers seeking to change operators, but to retain their original number, complain of harassment by network staff and allege strong arm tactics are being used to retain customers.
u00a0
Some claim that they have been forced to shell out almost Rs 5,000 to port out, despite the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) order standardising the fee at Rs 19 for all numbers.

Ironically though, the TRAI has received an equal number of complaints from customers regarding problems while opting for MNP.

"After fighting with a leading network for over a month, I realised that I should approach the higher authorities. My network did not specify why they were delaying my port out.

They demanded money, delayed my process, misplaced my documents and made me run around for weeks because I refused to bow down to their demands," N Kartik said.

More for some
Another issue causing some concern is the existence of fancy numbers. "I was told that I have a fancy number and so porting out would be difficult.

The nodal officer asked me to pay Rs 5,000 to process my documents.
u00a0
I was not aware of this policy change and I paid the amount. I wanted to switch networks, but my respective network made sure that I don't move out. I lost my money andu00a0 my number," said Umesh Yadav.

Justifying their stance, Sudhir Gupta, Principal Advisor (MNP), TRAI claimed that although complaints have been pouring in, it is difficult to deal with individual networks and customers.
u00a0
"Since MNP was implemented, we have received several complaints in the categories of customer retaining and over charging.
u00a0
Hence we have issued directives to service providers, clearly stating that customers cannot be stopped from
porting out of their networks.
u00a0
There is no such rule related to fancy numbers and if any service provider demands anything over the Rs 19 as specified by us, they are acting illegally," he said.

While many service providers have been caught in the act of conning customers who want to port out, others have laid down strict guidelines.

No interference
Siva Ganapathi, Chief Operating Officer, Idea Cellular Ltd Karnataka, said, "The process of letting customers move out has been less than efficient in Karnataka. We have never interfered with any customer moving out.
u00a0
There have been cases when networks have tried to retain customers on frivolous basis and we have been victims.
u00a0
It is justified that networks sell fancy numbers at a slightly higher premium, but demanding extra for porting out fancy numbers borders on grossly abusing the customer.

We have ported in 1 lakh customers and ported out about 30,000." TRAI is trying to enforce stringent rules on service providers and has issued directives to implement the same.

30,000
Number of subscribers ported out of Idea in the state