From July, mobile phone users will be able to retain their numbers when they relocate to any part of the country, even if they change operators. Minister of Communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday announced that full Mobile Number Portability (MNP) will become operational from July.

Talking to reporters during a press conference in New Delhi, Prasad also announced that state-run mobile phone company-BSNL will start free roaming from June 15.

Hitting out at the previous UPA regime, Prasad, in an apparent reference to the 2G scam, said that his government has transformed the working of the telecom ministry.

“One year ago, when we came to power, Sanchar Bhawan was in news for all the wrong reasons. Today there is hope and positive environment,” he said, adding, “I can say with confidence, lobbyists and middleman have no space in the department.”

Commenting on a question concerning the controversial Section 66 A of the IT Act, Prasad said the government fully backs freedom of speech.

“The government of India fully supports freedom of speech. The case was pending in the court before I joined the ministry,” he said.

When asked about frequent call drop complaints by consumers, the minister said he is aware of the issue and has asked officials if a scheme of disincentive for the operators can be put in place.

“Call drops due to lack of towers. As far as installation is concerned it is subject to local law. No point to raise bogey of cell tower radiation and then complain of call drop,” Prasad said.