Last updated on March 15th, 2023 at 08:23 am
Changing the mobile operator without changing your mobile phone number is called Mobile Number Portability (MNP). The exiting your current mobile operator is called PORT-Out and activating your mobile number with the new mobile operator is called PORT-In.
Customers may want to port mobile number for several reasons, including:
- Better Network Coverage: Customers may port their mobile number to a different carrier if they have poor network coverage or reception in their current area.
- Cost Savings: Customers may switch to a carrier that offers better pricing and more affordable plans for their needs.
- Better Service: Customers may be dissatisfied with their current carrier’s customer service or overall experience and may want to switch to a carrier that provides better service.
- Personal Reasons: Customers may move to a new location, change jobs, or have other personal reasons that make it more convenient to switch to a new carrier. The new operator may be offering the same plan but with better features including a free subscription to the most popular OTT Apps
Overall, customers may port mobile number to a new carrier to improve their overall experience, get better service or pricing, or for personal reasons.
You must be aware that PORT-Out and PORT-In facility was started in India with effect from 1 April 2015 and since then 521 million customers have been availed of this facility of MNP till September 2020.
How to PORT mobile number
- First, choose the service provider you wish to port your number
- Send the following text message – PORT followed by your 10-digit mobile number to – 1900.
- Example: Send ‘PORT 98xxxxxx98’ to 1900. You’ll receive an SMS back with an 8-digit UPC (Unique Porting Code) which will remain valid for 15 days.
- Visit your nearest operator store and tell them you want to port your sim. They will fill out the porting form and customer acquisition form (CAF) for porting into the network. Also, carry a passport-size photograph and a self-attested copy of the AADHAR card.
- If you are a postpaid subscriber, submit a paid copy of the last bill issued along with the porting form and CAF.
- Once you are done with the necessary formalities, obtain your SIM card from the new service provider. Due to fierce competition, Most TSPs offer free MNP with attractive offers of free recharge up to Rs 300.
- The process usually takes up to 7 working days to complete. For Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and North East, it may take up to 15 days. It is reported that now the process is completed in 4 days only. Your new mobile service provider will keep you updated about the date and time of porting via SMS.
- Replace the old SIM with the new SIM provided by your new mobile service provider after the specified date and time.
MNP is the tool in the hands of mobile users to switch mobile operators in case he/she is not satisfied with the services of mobile operators or if they find the best alternative in the form of services as well as affordable tariffs with other mobile operators.
