MNP New Rules: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently implemented new rules for MNP (Mobile number portability) which are applicable from today itself. Detailed guidelines regarding this new rule were issued earlier on 14 March 2024 and will be implemented from today i.e. 1 July onwards. The rules for porting SIM cards (MNP) have been changed for the 9th time so far. The new changes which were made in the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulation, 2009 under sub-section (1) of the Telecom Regulatory Act 1997, have clarified the reasons for not forwarding the request to port the user's SIM card by the telecom operators.
What has changed?
As per the new MNP Rules, a user can request to port a SIM card only after 7 days of swapping (request to reissue the stolen SIM) card. However, the regulator has laid down two conditions:
- This will happen only when a closed or lost SIM card has been swapped
- If the SIM is swapped to upgrade the SIM, then the user will not have to wait for 7 days to port the SIM card.
Earlier this time limit was 10 days.
Witnessing the increasing incidents related to cyber fraud, these new SIM swap rules have been made for additional safety. The regulator held an in-depth discussion with telecom companies and other stakeholders about the new time limit which has been fixed.
MNP request will be cancelled if…
The telecom regulator has directed the Indian telecom operators to check several things before forwarding the request for SIM card porting.
- Make sure to check the request made for changing the operator by any number of users.
- The telecom operator will have to check if the user has yet to request for porting the SIM within 90 days. This means that the users could change any operator only after 90 days.
- If you have already requested to port your SIM card to an operator, then you will not be able to generate a request from the other operator.
- You can port your number to another operator only after 7 days of swapping the SIM card.
- If you have swapped the SIM to upgrade, then you will not have to wait for 7 days to port the number.
- Users who are using corporate numbers will not be able to issue a request for MNP.
Apart from this, if there is any bill pending on your number, then you will not be allowed to port your number. Your request will be rejected.
How to apply for MNP?
- To get MNP done, the user will have to type PORT_mobile number from his device and send it to 1900.
- After this, they will receive a UPC (Unique Porting Code) on the user's number.
- Then, the user will have to contact the new operator.
- User will have to register the UPC along with their KYC details i.e. Aadhaar card etc.
- After this, the request to port the user's SIM card will be taken.
- After a few days, the user will receive a message regarding the acceptance of the request to port the SIM card and the SIM card will be ported.
