India Regulator Says 3.8M Mobile Users Opt For MNP

India's telecoms regulator said on Wednesday 3.8 million mobile subscribers have opted for mobile number portability (MNP) as of end-February, after the launch of the facility allowing users to retain their mobile numbers even if they switch carriers.

MNP was introduced in a northern state in late November and was expanded nationwide from Jan. 20.

With 771 million mobile subscribers as of January, India is the world's second-biggest market for mobile services and with monthly additions averaging 19 million in the past one year, it is the world's fastest growing market.

The market of 15 mobile carriers is, however, fiercely competitive, with the firms operating under wafer-thin margins.