The latest TRAI report indicates there is a consistent increase in MNP requests reflecting the demand among wireless subscribers for switching mobile operators while retaining their numbers.
TRAI does not release the operator-wise MNP (Mobile Number Portability) requests in India. In August 2024 alone, operators have received 14.66 million requests for MNP. It is the highest MNP request in the last six months, according to TelecomLead.com Research analyst Baburajan Kizhakedath. The demand for shifting to BSNL connections is obvious. Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio have lost mobile phone connections in August because they increased mobile phone tariffs.
Bharti Airtel’s mobile customer base decreased from 387.326 million in July 2024 to 384.917 million in August 2024.
The number of mobile phone customers at Vodafone Idea decreased to 214.008 million in August 2024 from 215.882 million in July 2024.
The number of mobile phone customers at Reliance Jio has reached 471.749 million in August 2024 against 475.768 million in July 2024.
BSNL, which did not increase its tariff in July, has gained. BSNL’s mobile customer base rose to 91.045 million in August 2024 from 88.512 million in July 2024.
Monthly MNP Requests:
August 2024: 14.66 million requests; cumulative MNP requests reached 1025.78 million.
July 2024: 13.68 million requests; cumulative MNP requests reached 1011.13 million.
June 2024: 11.84 million requests; cumulative MNP requests reached 997.44 million.
May 2024: 12 million requests; cumulative MNP requests reached 985.60 million.
April 2024: 11.07 million requests; cumulative MNP requests reached 973.60 million.
TRAI says Indian telecom operators have received 14.66 million requests for MNP in August 2024. Out of total 14.66 million, new requests received from Zone-I & Zone-II were 8.16 million and 6.50 million respectively. The cumulative MNP requests increased from 1011.13 million in July24 to 1025.78 million in August 2024, since the implementation of MNP.
In MNP Zone-I (Northern and Western India), the highest number of requests till date have been received in Uttar Pradesh-East (about 98.73 million) followed by Maharashtra (about 83.95 million) service area.
In MNP Zone-II (Southern and Eastern India), the highest number of requests till date have been received in Madhya Pradesh (about 79.85 million) followed by Karnataka (about 69.67 million).
The data in the image provides a breakdown of MNP requests by service area for July and August 2024.
Here are some key insights:
Total MNP Requests (August 2024):
The total MNP requests increased from 1,011.13 million in July to 1,025.78 million in August, a net addition of 14.66 million requests.
Zone-wise Breakdown:
Zone-I: The number of porting requests rose from 545.93 million in July to 554.09 million in August, an increase of 8.16 million.
Zone-II: Porting requests grew from 465.19 million in July to 471.69 million in August, adding 6.5 million requests.
Top Service Areas (Highest MNP Requests):
Zone-I: Uttar Pradesh (West) had the highest number of requests, increasing from 73.42 million in July to 74.78 million in August.
Zone-II: Madhya Pradesh recorded the highest in Zone-II, growing from 78.58 million in July to 79.45 million in August.
Service Areas with Notable Growth:
Delhi: Increased from 48.50 million to 49.08 million.
Gujarat: Increased from 68.81 million to 69.80 million.
Bihar: Grew significantly from 56.75 million to 57.81 million.
Steady Growth in Major States:
All service areas in both zones showed a steady increase in MNP requests, reflecting consistent demand for mobile number portability across regions.
The data suggests a consistent trend in mobile users seeking portability options, with larger states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh showing strong demand. The month-over-month growth is steady across both zones.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
