Airtel, Jio allege Vi obstruction in mobile number porting process

Airtel and Reliance Jio have lodged complaints against Vodafone Idea, alleging the operator is making it difficult for customers to port their mobile numbers to competing networks. The carriers claim Vi is not adequately facilitating the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) process, which allows subscribers to retain their numbers while switching service providers.

The dispute mirrors a contentious issue that surfaced in 2021, when telecom regulator Trai had to intervene after similar complaints of obstruction. That intervention resulted in orders mandating all telecom service providers to enable port-out SMS notifications across all customer plans, ensuring transparency in the porting process.

Mobile number portability is a key consumer protection mechanism in India's telecom sector, allowing users to switch operators without losing their existing contact details. According to Trai regulations, service providers are required to facilitate the porting process within specified timelines and without imposing unreasonable restrictions.

Vodafone Idea has faced significant financial challenges in recent years, with declining subscriber numbers and mounting debt. The allegations come at a time when the telecom sector remains under close regulatory scrutiny regarding consumer protection and fair competition practices.

The matter is likely to attract attention from Trai, which has previously demonstrated willingness to enforce compliance with porting norms. Industry observers note that such disputes underscore the importance of regulatory oversight in maintaining healthy competition and protecting consumer interests in India's telecom market.