To start, the service will only cost users 19 (about 42 cents USD), and Sibal has stated his intention for the price to drop even further. Also, as the service is still very new, it will take 7 days for the number to be switched to a new provider, but Sibal believes that the transfer time will also shrink drastically once all the service gets up-and-running.
In a press conference earlier today, Sibal stated, “It is a historic moment, we have demonstrated the customer is king.” This service was first introduced in the Indian state of Haryana in November, 2010, and since then mobile providers such as Idea Cellular and Vodafone had begun advertising campaigns to prepare for the upcoming MNP program.
CEO of Shyam TeleServices Vsevolod Rozanov stated that he believes this service will also lead to a decrease in tariffs in the future, explaining, “I think tariffs will go down further, especially, if we speak about the post-paid customer base that is where we are likely to see the average revenue per user (ARPU) going down.”
Switching services is now simpler than ever, as you can most of it right on your cell phone. To switch users using the MNP service, you just have to type PORT, leave a space, type your mobile number and text it to 1900. You will get a message back from “1901” with a code and a date. After this, you submit proof of identity and the code to the new service provider that you want by the date that you received in the text. Within a week, your number will be switched to the new provider automatically as long as you have no outstanding bills with your old provider.
This is a good month for Indian telecommunications, as here at StanaCard we are currently running a promotion where frequent callers to India can save up to 40% on their calls. Of course, instead of saving 40% on your calls, you can always just make calls for FREE by referring a friend. So be sure to give your family and friends back in India a call and tell them about the new MNP service, and don’t forget to use StanaCard when you do!
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