Implementation of pan-India mobile number portability (full MNP) has been a motto of National Telecom Policy 2012 and the industry has made it a reality by July 3, as to enhance customer satisfaction, according to Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI).

COAI added that the efforts taken by the telecom operators to offer the service at the world’s lowest voice rates, by making a huge investment in terms of network upgrading, installation of necessary hardware and software need to be appreciated by the country.

COAI Director General Rajan S. Mathews further thanked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for expediting the process in a seamless manner. He added that the telecommunication industry should be acknowledged as a major contributor to nation’s socio-economic development as it contributes around 3.5 percent to India’s growth. “The industry also provides employment to over 20 lakh people directly and indirectly,” he concluded.

COAI is a large body that constitutes seven largest mobile service operators, telecom equipment manufacturers, communication service providers and product companies.