National MNP expected by Feb 2013: Sibal

If implemented, it will allow users to carry their numbers even when to shift between circles.

Inter-circle Mobile Number Portability (MNP) facility, which will allows users to switch service providers even when they move from one state to another, is likely to be implemented the country by February 2013, according to the Union Telecom minister, Kapil Sibal.

During the India Telecom 2012 that took place in New Delhi, Sibal said "For the timely implementation of the National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2012, the Department of Telecom has finalised broad agenda for next three months from December 2012 to February 2013."

Note that National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2012 has emphasized the implementation of national number portability.

Till now Mobile Number Portability only allow users to shift between service providers in a particular circle. For instance, if you have a number registered in Delhi circle, then at present you would only be allowed to move to any service provider within this circle.

With National number portability likely to get an approval by Feb 2013, the abolishing of roaming charges is another thing that mobile subscribers can certainly hope for. Both the services are dependent on cabinet approval and it is likely to be finalised by the end of February 2013 after which a faster roll out of new guidelines as prescribed in the National Telecom Policy 2012 is expected.