Trai for number portability

 This system will allow subscribers to move among telecom service providers of the same kind without having to change the phone number.

 Trai officials said introducing full number portability in the telecom sector involved complexities and costs and therefore the initial plan was to allow movement within the same segment.

 If the plan is implemented, an Airtel subscriber, for instance, will be able to carry the same telephone number after switching to Hutch but not if he switches to an MTNL fixed-line phone.

 Similarly, a fixed-line subscriber of Tata Teleservices will be able to use the same number after moving to MTNL but not when switching to Idea. Trai is also appointing a consultant for working out the modalities.

 Telecom analysts pointed out that introducing number portability was good for consumers as it would not only give them more choice but also intensify competition in the sector.

 This, in turn, could trigger off another price war in a sector where tariffs were already on the lower side.

 However, for the operators this could mean decreasing bottomlines and increased churn of subscribers.