Iran launches MNP

Mobile number portability (MNP) has been given a commercial launch in Iran after a month of Beta testing. Iran’s 114 million cellular subscribers are now able to switch provider while retaining their original number. According to a report from TechRasa, 11,000 users applied to change their network during the trial phase. TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that Iran is home to three national cellular licence holders – state-owned Mobile Communication Company of Iran (MCI), South African-backed MTN Irancell and newest entrant Tamin Telecom, which trades under the ‘Rightel’ name – as well as several regional operators, the largest of which is Taliya Mobile.