The nationwide Mobile Number Portability (MNP) has become operational from July 3, 2015. This facility will allow customers to keep their existing mobile phone numbers while shifting between states and circles. Now the users can change their operator while retaining the same number only in the same state or telecom circle. To avail the new facility, the subscribers will have to visit a store of their telecom operator or call the customer care number concerned.

previously, the deadline to roll out full MNP was May 2 which was delayed by two months after the Cellular Operators Association of India asked for an extension from the Telecom department. Bharti Airtel becomes the first Indian telecom operator to offer nationwide mobile number portability, after the government ordered all operators to introduce full MNP.

National Mobile Portability has been a long standing issue and has taken years to come into effect. In 2011, India allowed mobile number portability, but it was restricted to the same telecom circle.