Indian mobile consumers can change their mobile operator by whenever they desire, thanks to TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) who brought Mobile Number Portability (MNP) on November 25th, 2010.
One of the main objectives of TRAI is to provide a fair and transparent policy environment which promotes a level playing field and facilitates fair competition.
Written on the TRAI’s Website
What is Mobile Number Portability?
According to Wikipedia, Mobile number portability (MNP) enables mobile telephone users to retain their mobile telephone numbers when changing from one mobile network carrier to another.
In simple terms, MNP enables consumers to change the network operator by retaining the mobile number.
Consider you are having a mobile number 98480-XXXXX and using Airtel network. You can shift the same number to Jio network by using Mobile Number Portability (MNP).
Why would a consumer change the mobile operator?
Well, the reasons are many. Few of them are:
- Found a better offer from another Operator
- Issues with the current operator
- No signal/ Poor signal in the residing area
- Other operator having a good sign
- To join in Office CUG Plan
- Found an intriguing plan from the other Operator
How can Port my Number? What is the Process?
STEP 1:
Send a message PORT <space> Mobile Number to 1900.
Eg: PORT 98480-XXXXX and send this message to 1900.
You will receive a UPC Code as reply SMS. This UPC code is valid for 15 days (30 days in case of J&K, NE & Assam Service Areas).
STEP 2:
Now go to the nearest Mobile Recharge Shop / Customer service centre / the retailer of the operator you want to shift to.
The agent/executive will initiate the MNP process, you have to mention UPC Code ( From Step 1).
The executive will ask you to submit your Identity, Address Proof, and Photograph.
Nowadays, executives are performing the MNP process on Operator given mobile apps.
For Corporate/Company connections a NOC is required for MNP, duly signed and stamped on the company letterhead by the authorized signatory of the company along with the other documents.
The executive will give a new sim, after submission of required documents. Within 24 hours you will receive an acceptance message which confirms the porting. The message contains the details of the old operator and the new operator.
You can also cancel the porting process by sending CANCEL <space> 98480-XXXXX.
On the day of porting you will receive a confirmation SMS from the operator mentioning the date and time for porting.
The service disruption time shall be around one hour during the night time of the date/time of porting.
One the service to the old SIM is halted, insert the new SIM in your phone.
You have successfully ported your number to the new Operator.
Remember, the minimum time to stay with the new operator is 3 months. You need to wait for 90 days to port to another Operator.
Type of Porting
Of course, the porting process is the same but the process gets complex and time consuming based on your SIM card. In general, there are two types of MNP.
- Pre-paid to Prepaid/ Postpaid
- Post-paid to Prepaid/ Postpaid
Pre-paid to Prepaid/ Postpaid
If you are having Prepaid SIM, the porting process is hassle free.
Post-paid to Prepaid/ Postpaid
If you are having Post-paid SIM, the porting process is quite complex.
- The operator will persuade you to not port the number from their network. As the postpaid subscribers generate more revenue to the Operator.
- You should clear the existing dues and make an extra payment of Rs. 100 considering Pro-rate billing
It takes 4-10 days to complete the porting process
Mobile Number Ownership Transfer
The process of Transferring the ownership varies Operator to Operator. It would be better to visit the Operator Store to get the clear understating of the process.
Our experience with Airtel is simple and easy. All you need is a NOC (No objection certificate from the current owner.)
In case, if you need any help regarding Mobile Number Probability and Ownership Transfer, reach us at helpdesk @salesquared.io
