Mobile Number Portability or MNP helps mobile phone users to change from one mobile network operator to another, without having to change their mobile phone number.
The system of MNP is incorporated differently in various countries across the world. Most countries follow the system of Recipient-Led porting, also known as Donor-Led porting. Here, customers wanting to port their numbers will have to contact the Donor in order to obtain a Porting Authorization Code or PAC. The customer has to then give this to the Recipient. On receipt of this PAC, the Recipient proceeds to contact the Donor.
Some industry analysts have severely criticized this form or porting, as it is long-drawn out, breeds inefficiency and also dilutes competition.
India is the latest country to launch Donor-Led MNP. This service went live from 20 January, 2011.
The time taken for a service provider to port the user’s number also varies from country to country. While the process takes only a few seconds in New Zealand, it takes 20 minutes in the Republic of Ireland, 2 hours in the US and so on.
