Say goodbye to weeks of waiting to port to a new service operator.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India or TRAI recently issued changes in Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (MNP) regulations. Mobile Number Portability (MNP) process or porting, in short, is essentially when mobile subscribers switch operators while retaining their mobile numbers.
The revised idea is to ensure smooth porting in a new framework—thus making the porting process faster and convenient to mobile subscribers. The revised MNP process, which promises that users can port their number to a new operator within 3-5 days, is scheduled to be in force with effect from today (December 16, 2019).
Pre-validation of eligibility conditions for porting will determine the generation of Unique Porting Code (UPC) by the Mobile Number Portability Service Provider (MNPSP). But what is a UPC? It is the code generated when customers put in a request for mobile portability; once you receive customer service professionals of the operator will assist you in getting a new SIM for the same number.
For instance, in case of post-paid mobile connection, the subscriber has to ensure clearance of 'outstanding dues' towards the existing telecom service provider for the issued bills as per the normal billing cycle.
Other conditions include activation in the present operator's network of not less than 90 days; no pending contractual obligations to be fulfilled by the subscriber as per the exit clause provided in the subscriber agreement.
UPC will be valid for four days for all Licensed Service Areas (LSAs) except the circles of Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and North East where it will remain valid for 30 days
In a statement to the press, TRAI claims that, “In view of the proposed migration to new process, necessary steps will be taken by the telecom service providers in creating awareness and sensitising the mobile subscribers through their websites, call centres, point of sales and their social media platforms such as Facebook page, Twitter handle etc. so that mobile subscribers intending to port their numbers do not face inconvenience.”