How to Make the Most of Number Portability
The one thing that EVERYONE, including you, me and even a Shahrukh Khan have in common is that we have all experienced call drops! Yes, this particular new-age affliction - along with a string of different strains of this virus like low/no network, voice distortions - doesn't spare anyone, caste, creed, celeb status, no bar. While most of us have just huffed and puffed and ended up with an argument with a senior customer care manager, we finally have the "threat to switch" to rub in their faces!
With mobile number portability (MNP) becoming operational from Thursday, we taken-for-granted telecom consumers now have the choice of switching our operator without having to change our mobile number. Available to both postpaid and prepaid customers and subscribers of GSM as well as CDMA service, MNP may just provide the solution you are looking for!
Here's why you should consider switching or even staying on with your cellphone service provider...
1. Making the Switch is Easy!
The cost of porting a number to a new operator is just Rs. 19 (MTNL is even willing to waive this off!), with the maximum porting time capped at 7 working days by telecom regulator Trai except in Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and North East service areas, where it will be 15 working days. However, consumers will have to remain with the new operator for three months before moving on.
To switch, send the following text PORT mobile number to 1900
1. You'll get an eight-digit alphanumeric code and expiry date for it. This is the unique porting code
2. Approach service provider you have opted for with unique code. Carry address & ID proof/ photograph/ application form with unique code & mobile number. Complete this process within the expiry date that came with a unique code
3. Operator will take request to mobile portability clearing house. Clearing house will get your number deactivated from existing provider and activate new one
4. You'll then get text from new provider mentioning date and time when phone will go through a no-service period
5. This is when switching of service providers will happen. Phone will be out of use for a couple of hours—between 12 pm and 5 am
(Courtesy: TNN)
Switch: You can even log on to service provider websites like vodafone.in and fill out an online form. With negligible cost and effort involved, doesn't seem like a bad idea now, does it?
Stay: Since it's so easy to switch, you have more bargaining power with your current cell phone operator.
2. Special Offers
In a bid to retain customers and more so, lure others to their network, cell phone providers are going all out to roll out the red carpet! MTNL has a special prepaid MNP offer that includes free 100 min voice calls and 100 min video calls, and free 10,000 SMS on local MTNL network for 30 days, Loop is promising to activate value added service within 15 minutes or they'd buy us a coffee at Cafe Coffee Day (!!!) and Bharti Airtel has sent out text messages to select subscribers saying they will get a 10% discount on their bill for the next two months, as per reports.
Switch / Stay: So, it's a win-win if you choose to switch or even wish to stay.
3. Save More & Upgrade too!
It's finally our time to demand a better data plan or even switch to the faster 3G platform.
The whole proposition of a better tariff package is what should make you consider this - since most of us end up paying far more than we have bargained for and get stuck with data plans we don't really need. Making the switch from CDMA to GSM or vice versa is also a good reason. MTS is luring GSM subscribers to its network by offering subsidised rates for CDMA handsets and EMIs on smart phones. The company is also expected to launch an offer of offering half a paisa per second plan along with other freebies in the form of value-added services, according to reports.
Switch / Stay: Special offers benefit both - those who wish to change their providers and those who remain loyal. Choose wisely on the basis of whatis more rewarding in the long term scheme of things.
4. Damage Control
Vodafone Essar has set up a customer care cell to get in touch with subscribers opting out of their system, according to a report in The Times of India. Loop is also going to compensate and offer money back to its customers in case of any call drops. More offers will be unveiled in the run up to the MNP war.
Switch: Frequent callers who have family or friends who are currently on different networks could now move to single network to take advantage of better tariff packages, including free calls within the same network, among others.
Stay: While operators go into damage control mode, to keep you connected to their networks, use this time to get your grievances met.
5. Better Service?
The most important question you need to ask yourself before you make the switch is would it ensure better service and improved customer care. Well, may be not at the outset. But if operators find the migration numbers to be high, there is sure to be overhauling of services and customer care.
All said and done, there's no time like now for taking up a good data plan or offer that will save you money and demand better service - whether you choose to dump your phone company or stay loyal. As the Vodafone tagline says: "Power To You"!
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