From May 3, subscribers will be able to retain the same mobile number on relocating to anywhere in India. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India amended the mobile number portability (MNP) regulations yesterday to allow users to change their service provider in any part of the country while retaining the number. 

At present, number portability within a telecom circle is possible. To carry a number outside the home circle, a subscriber pays roaming charges plus applicable STD call rates. In a statement, TRAI said, it has issued the sixth amendment to the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulation, 2009, which will facilitate nationwide portability with effect from May 3.