Here is some good news for all mobile phone users. From June 2009, you can retain your mobile number even if you change operator, provided you keep on paying your bills. The Telecom Authority of India (TRAI) has given this deadline in a letter sent to the secretary of Department Of Telecommunications (DoT), Siddharta Behura.

 

It is to be noted that DOT said in November 2007, that the mobile phone users of the metros will be getting this facility by December 2008, but according to the new suggestion the whole country is to get the benefit. However under this facility, a prepaid user cannot carry forward the balance while changing operators. Moreover the connection of the donor network will have to be snapped before switching to the other network.

 

Through this facility you will be able to change your operator but you will retain your old number. The move is certainly going to increase competitions among the operators who will try to improve the quality of their services to retain customers. It is expected that it’s going to cost around Rs 3000 crores for the up gradations of the networks for enabling number portability.