Indian telecom that is in the news for all the wrong reasons presently, at least has provided one thing a consumer can rejoice on – Mobile Number Portability. The much awaited policy in principle signals a new impetus to customer empowerment. It, at the same time, has the potential to provide additional momentum to the ongoing turf battle among Indian telecom operators. Surely, there is some semblance of a shake-up, how much and to what degree, is a question best left for future.

However, experiences from other nations signify the otherwise.

Nations where MNP has been in operation for quite some time now, indicate an insignificant change in status-quo. It has been observed that telecom operators develop new subscriber lock-in strategies, thereby raising switching barriers and discouraging consumers. The precedents are already there, and something of the sort will be adapted in India too. We were not surprised when a senior official from a telecom company stated that the initial euphoria would soon fizzle out and mobile number portability would soon become a way of life for operators.

Whichever way the tide turns, the consumers have something to celebrate, at least for now. Our preliminary analysis, based on consumer perceptions on Twitter, indicate significant loss for the big telecom companies. At the same time, new entrants and surprisingly, state run telecom companies are bound to benefit from consumer movements across operators. So there.

We hope you would find this issue equally informative as have been the previous many issues here. And, I believe, our findings would surely help you decide upon the best operator by looking at the pros and cons we have gathered through our research. However, a piece of advice, if we can dispense you with, would be to look beyond the initial promotional offer. Now, go MNP.

Mobile Number Portability – The Young Indian Perspective

Mobile number portability is being touted as a big turning point in Indian telecom. However, opinions vary on the degree of unsettlement it will cause. While worldwide experience in MNP is not encouraging, however, based in our analysis of consumer sentiments on Twitter, initial trends from India, signify a somewhat opposite scenario.

Mobile Number Portability – Consumer Perceptions

A basic analysis of twitter updates indicates that every India telecom operator lacks in customer support. Besides, despite being branded as one among the cheapest telecom economies, pricing issues still creep in, and become a significant motive for initiating number portability, so much so that consumers do not mind going back to public sector BSNL.

Mobile Number Portability – Impact Trends by Operators

Before you take the MNP leap, it would be prudent have a look at what other consumers say about the operator of your choice. You will probably gain from it. You would not find the best operator, as there is none, however you will, for sure, optimize upon your options. Have a look.

Mobile Number Portability in India – Study Methodology and Limitations

That, Twitter as a medium of tracking is well known, however tracking the treasure trove of twitter is a task in itself – a job best left to technically superior people. However, if one desires, it is possible. This post is the background of this issue, and outlines how we endeavoured to present our views.