Everything you need to know about Mobile Number Portability (MNP)

Are you struggling with your mobile network? Or is the tariff rate of your current packages too high? Don’t worry! Whatever the reason is, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is the only solution to your misery.

It is a facility that allows you to retain your existing mobile number by switching to a new service provider. Yes, you read that correctly. You can port your number without actually changing your mobile number. Operators such as Vodafone, Jio and Airtel port number facilities do come in handy, while carrying out the process of MNP.

So, let us help you understand what MNP is and how to port your number quite easily in a few steps below:

What is Mobile Number Portability (MNP)?

Mobile Number Portability or MNP is a facility that allows a user to switch from one operator to another without changing their existing mobile numbers (irrespective of a geographical area).

However, before switching to a different service, users must keep the following things in mind:

  • They should clear all their past dues before porting. If these dues are not paid, the telecom operator can reject the porting request
  • Provide relevant reasons to the mobile provider for opting out of their services
  • You can port to another service only if you’ve used it for about 90 days
  • You may have to pay specific porting fees. The upper limit for the Per Port Transaction charge is Rs. 6.46 paise. So, check with your network operator beforehand
  • Provide the porting reasons to the network operator. If your network operator tries to retain you with better plans, don’t fall for it
  • If your MNP request is denied, pay the overdue amount without fail.

Once the user clears the due and decides to port out of their existing network operators, the new request will be processed within 10-14 days.

The introduction of the MNP process has made it easy for users to switch between operators. Besides this, they also happen to choose MNP for a couple of reasons mentioned below:

  • Users can change operators at no cost
  • They can receive SIM cards in their preferred size
  • They have the complete freedom to switch from prepaid to postpaid service
  • New subscribers are given enticing telecom offers and discounts
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Now that you know what MNP is, let’s proceed further to understand a step-by-step procedure to switch from your current telecom operator to a new one below:

  • Step one:

Send a text message to 1900 in the following format: PORT <existing mobile number>. While doing so, avoid adding any prefixes like +91 or 0, and always remember to forward the message from a registered mobile number only.

  • Step two:

Once you’ve sent the SMS, you will receive an eight-digit Unique Porting Number (UPC) from your existing operators. So, head to their store with the code once you receive it to fill out an application form with the UPC.

  • Step three:

Provide a copy of the valid address and identity proof, customer agreement form with UPC details, passport size photograph, and lastly, a copy of the last bill payment of the current service provider.

  • Step four:

At this point, the new telecom operator will confirm with the old operator about any outstanding bill amount. After getting clearance from the old operator, the new provider will then approve or reject your porting request accordingly.

Note: The user will be informed at every step of porting, right from submission of porting request, port withdrawal request, porting schedule, deactivation time, and activation of the new SIM card. These details will be provided by the new operator via SMS within seven days.

Once your mobile number has been ported to another service, the old SIM card will automatically stop functioning. So, see to it that you insert the new card into your phone and start using it.

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But, if your porting request is denied, you don’t have to panic. The reasons mentioned below will help you in figuring out why it has been rejected:

  • You may not have paid the bill
  • You may have not used 90 days of service from the previous operator
  • Your mobile number is under the court’s jurisdiction
  • Your area, region, or city is not served by the telecom operator
  • The UPC is not accurate
  • Your mobile number might be under contractual obligation.

Now that you’re aware of some of the possible reasons for a rejected MNP application, see to it that you keep certain fundamentals mentioned below in mind before submitting the MNP application:

  • Only mobile numbers can be ported
  • See to it that you port the mobile number only within the existing circle
  • Remember that you can subscribe from prepaid to postpaid
  • If you’re willing to cancel an MNP application, send ‘CANCEL’ to 1900 (only if the UPC is submitted)
  • Make sure to use the old operator’s service for at least 90 days before submitting a request for a new MNP application
  • Submit the UPC before it expires. It will be valid for at least four days for all the regions except for Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and Northeast. In these areas, the UPC is valid for 30 days
  • Address your queries related to the porting procedure with your network operator.

Following the above-mentioned fundamentals will ensure that your porting request doesn’t get denied. So, port to best operator and stay connected on best network to watch movies and surf seamlessly.

Thanks to Mobile Number Portability (MNP), you won’t have to put up with your mobile service provider just to retain your mobile number. So, get started with the process right away and port out from your existing service provider!

 

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