The rules for Mobile Number Portability (MNP) have been changed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The MNP facility was introduced in 2009 and has undergone nine changes. As per the new rules, customers must wait one week to change/transfer their mobile number to another network.
This change has been made to protect against irregularities and online fraud, thereby increasing customer security. Furthermore, if a customer has recently changed their SIM card, they will only be able to transfer their mobile number to another network after a period of time.
One of the new rules introduced by TRAI is SIM Swap. This means that if a customer loses or damages their SIM card, they can obtain a new SIM with the same number from their telecom operator.
According to the new TRAI rules, customers must wait for at least seven days after changing their SIM card before transferring to another network. Telecom companies cannot issue a unique porting code or UPC to the customer during this period. The subscriber can transfer their mobile number to another network with the UPC code after the seven-day waiting period. This waiting period is in place to ensure everyone takes the SIM in the customer’s name.
There is no limit if a customer wishes to upgrade their SIM card from 3G/4G to 5G or the next 6G. This can be done with a one-time password. However, if the phone number is put in sim porting or MNP, the network will change at once. Hence, restrictions have been imposed.
TRAI has changed the rules to prevent irregularities and online fraud, ensuring customers can port their mobile numbers safely. They have stated that there will be no fraud with the new regulations. If a customer loses or their SIM card is not working, they can obtain a new SIM card from their telecom operator. However, they must provide a valid ID card, and the process may need to be simplified, similar to the past.