{"id":14466,"date":"2021-05-07T11:21:21","date_gmt":"2021-05-07T11:21:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/?p=14466"},"modified":"2026-07-21T09:26:42","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T09:26:42","slug":"mobile-number-portability-trai-guidelines","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/mobile-number-portability-trai-guidelines\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Mobile Number Portability &#038; How It Works?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>India is a massive country with a diverse population and a vast user base of mobile devices and networks. With the market offering such immense potential, it isn\u2019t surprising that the competition between telecom operators is booming.<\/p>\n<p>This is a boon for users who have access to new and more affordable telecom plans every day. They can easily move from one network to another when they want to save money and avail better offers. If you wish to do the same, you need to understand the mobile number portability (MNP) rules provided by the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trai.gov.in\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Telecom Regulatory Authority of India<\/a>\u00a0(TRAI).<\/p>\n<p>The authority came up with new rules and guidelines in December 2019, intending to facilitate hassle-free porting for mobile users across the country. Before explaining these rules in detail, we shall talk about number portability and how it works.<\/p>\n<h2>What is Mobile Number Portability (MNP)?<\/h2>\n<p>Essentially, mobile number portability (MNP) refers to the facility that allows users to switch from one operator to another. You may do it to get a better offer from another service provider or simply because you are not happy with your current provider.<\/p>\n<p>The best part about the service is that it only changes your network provider, not your mobile number. This means that you don\u2019t have to worry about sharing your new number with all your contacts; they will probably not even know about the switch. Additionally, you can change operators regardless of geographical location.<\/p>\n<p>Read Our page here &#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/solutions\/cloud-contact-center\/\"><strong>cloud contact center<\/strong><\/a>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0cm 7.0pt 0cm;\">How Does Mobile Number Portability Work?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"155\" data-end=\"719\">Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is a telecom service that lets you switch your mobile network provider without changing your existing mobile number. To start the MNP process, send an SMS in the format <strong>PORT &lt;your mobile number&gt;<\/strong>\u00a0to 1900. You will receive a Unique Porting Code (UPC) from your current telecom operator, valid for a limited period. Take this code, along with your KYC documents (such as Aadhaar card or other ID proof), to the nearest store or authorized retailer of your new mobile service provider to submit your porting request.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"721\" data-end=\"1331\">Once you apply, the new telecom operator will forward your request to your current service provider for verification. Ensure you have cleared all outstanding bills and met the minimum 90-day usage rule before porting again. After approval, your number will be transferred to the new network\u2014typically within 3 working days for the same telecom circle, and up to 15 days for inter-circle portability. This seamless process ensures you enjoy better mobile network coverage, improved data speed, and attractive prepaid or postpaid plans without losing your existing phone number. <span data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\">Telecom operators maintain this service quality with the help of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spotsaas.com\/category\/network-monitoring-software\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">network monitoring software<\/a>, which tracks outages, signal strength, and data performance in real time.<\/span><\/p>\n<section class=\"ace-sec ace-blog-detail-cta-sec ace-cta-sec\">\r\n                        <div class=\"ace-cta-elem\">\r\n                            <div class=\"ace-cta-cont\">\r\n                                <div class=\"ace-head fw-400 txt-wht\"><strong>Switching numbers for your business?<\/strong><\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                <div class=\"ace-blog-link ace-btn-group\">\r\n                                    <button type=\"button\" class=\"ace-btn-white-outline-alt\" onclick=\"openPopupForm();\">\r\n                                        <span class=\"ace-btn-inner-text\">Book A Demo<\/span>\r\n                                        <span class=\"ace-btn-inner-icon\">\r\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"{%basePath%}\/assets\/img\/acefone\/icons\/btn-arrow.svg\" alt=\"arrow icon\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                        <\/span>\r\n                                    <\/button>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                    <\/section>\n<h2>How Often Can You Port Your Mobile Number?<\/h2>\n<p>Now that you are well aware of mobile number porting, you will want to learn about the actual process. According to the latest TRAI guidelines, you will have to use a unique porting code (UPC) to be able to complete the process.<\/p>\n<p>You will have to apply through your telecom provider, and they will generate the code after validating your account. The regulator will first verify your eligibility as a subscriber to port your number. Here are the eligibility criteria:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">You are an active user of the current network and have been using it for at least 90 days.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">You have cleared all your pending payments to the provider if you are using a postpaid service.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">You have no pending contractual obligations according to the exit clause in the subscriber agreement.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Porting of the particular mobile number is not prohibited by the court of law<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">You will not be allowed to port the number if it is sub-judice<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">You will not be eligible if you have already applied to change the ownership of your mobile number<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What are the Steps to port your mobile number?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Once eligibility is sorted, porting your number is pretty simple. Here are the steps you will have to follow.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step #1: Generate Your Unique Porting Code (UPC)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>To port your mobile number, you\u2019ll first need to generate a Unique Porting Code (UPC) by sending \u201cPORT\u201d followed by your mobile number to 1900.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step #2: Receive the UPC via SMS<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>After step 1, you will get a UPC via SMS. It is valid for four days in all Licensed Service Areas (LSAs), except for Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and North East LSAs. It remains valid for up to 30 days.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step #3: Visit the New Operator &amp; Submit KYC<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Visit the nearest customer service center of the new operator within the validity period. You will have to fill up the Porting Form and Customer Acquisition Form (CAF) here and submit your KYC document(s) as well. These include your ID proof, address proof, and photographs. Corporate connections require a NOC on the company letterhead, duly signed and stamped by the authorized signatory.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step #4: Pay the Porting Fee<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>After you submit the forms and documents, pay a transaction fee of Rs 6.46.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Step #5: Receive Your New SIM<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>You will get a new SIM and a message confirming the submission of your request.<\/p>\n<h2><b>How long is the process to port a Mobile Number?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>The new TRAI guidelines state that porting within the same circle or LSA will be done within three working days. Conversely, porting to another circle takes five days. It is a considerably shorter process now, as compared to the initial 15 days. However, there is an exception here as you can expect the process to take 30 days for Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and other states in Northeast India. This streamlined porting process is a significant development, especially for businesses leveraging an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/omnichannel-contact-center-guide\/\">omnichannel contact center <\/a>to manage customer interactions across various communication channels.<\/p>\n<p>It is important to note that you can experience a service disruption of four hours during the night when porting is done. You can also withdraw your request if you change your mind.<\/p>\n<p>The process is simple\u2013\u2013you only have to send an SMS to 1900. The text this time will be \u201cCANCEL\u201d, followed by space and your ten-digit mobile number. But you can send the withdrawal message only within 24 hours of your porting request.<\/p>\n<p>Mobile number porting is the easiest and most hassle-free process to move to another provider without having to change your number. The new TRAI guidelines have made it quicker and all the more stress-free. You only need to follow the procedure, and everything will be done within a few days.<\/p>\n<section class=\"ace-sec ace-blog-detail-cta-sec ace-cta-sec\">\r\n                        <div class=\"ace-cta-elem\">\r\n                            <div class=\"ace-cta-cont\">\r\n                                <div class=\"ace-head-sm fw-400 txt-wht\">Building a smarter communication setup for your business?<\/div>\r\n                                \r\n                                <div class=\"ace-blog-link ace-btn-group\">\r\n                                    <button type=\"button\" class=\"ace-btn-white-outline-alt ace-popup-trigger\" onclick=\"openAgentChat();\">\r\n                                        <span class=\"ace-btn-inner-text\">Talk to our Experts<\/span>\r\n                                        <span class=\"ace-btn-inner-icon\">\r\n                                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"{%basePath%}\/assets\/img\/acefone\/icons\/btn-arrow.svg\" alt=\"arrow icon\" class=\"img-fluid\">\r\n                                        <\/span>\r\n                                    <\/button>\r\n                                <\/div>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                    <\/section>\n<h2><strong>Conclusion:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Mobile number porting is the easiest and most hassle-free process to move to another provider without having to change your number. The new TRAI guidelines have made it quicker and all the more stress-free. You only need to follow the procedure, and everything will be done within a few days.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span data-teams=\"true\"><div class=\"accordion ace-faqs\" id=\"aceFaqToggs\">\r\n                        <\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ace-faq-elem\">\r\n                        <div class=\"ace-faq-elem-head\" id=\"aceFAQHead2671\">\r\n                          <h3 class=\"mb-0\">\r\n                            <button class=\"ace-faq-elem-togg\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#aceFAQ2671\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"aceFAQ2671\">\r\n                              How do I port my mobile number in India?\r\n                            <\/button>\r\n                          <\/h3>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n\r\n                        <div id=\"aceFAQ2671\" class=\"collapse ace-faq-elem-cont-part\" aria-labelledby=\"aceFAQHead2671\" data-parent=\"#aceFaqToggs\">\r\n                          <div class=\"ace-faq-elem-cont\">\n<p>Send an SMS in the format PORT &lt;your mobile number&gt; to 1900 to receive a Unique Porting Code (UPC), then take the UPC with your KYC documents to the new operator\u2019s nearest store to submit your porting request.<\/p>\n<p><span data-teams=\"true\"><\/div>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                      <\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ace-faq-elem\">\r\n                        <div class=\"ace-faq-elem-head\" id=\"aceFAQHead381\">\r\n                          <h3 class=\"mb-0\">\r\n                            <button class=\"ace-faq-elem-togg\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#aceFAQ381\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"aceFAQ381\">\r\n                              What is the eligibility to port a mobile number?\r\n                            <\/button>\r\n                          <\/h3>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n\r\n                        <div id=\"aceFAQ381\" class=\"collapse ace-faq-elem-cont-part\" aria-labelledby=\"aceFAQHead381\" data-parent=\"#aceFaqToggs\">\r\n                          <div class=\"ace-faq-elem-cont\">\n<p>You must be an active user of your current network for at least 90 days, have cleared all pending postpaid payments, have no pending contractual obligations, and the number must not be sub-judice or under an ownership-change request.<\/p>\n<p><span data-teams=\"true\"><\/div>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                      <\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ace-faq-elem\">\r\n                        <div class=\"ace-faq-elem-head\" id=\"aceFAQHead8674\">\r\n                          <h3 class=\"mb-0\">\r\n                            <button class=\"ace-faq-elem-togg\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#aceFAQ8674\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"aceFAQ8674\">\r\n                              How much does mobile number portability cost?\r\n                            <\/button>\r\n                          <\/h3>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n\r\n                        <div id=\"aceFAQ8674\" class=\"collapse ace-faq-elem-cont-part\" aria-labelledby=\"aceFAQHead8674\" data-parent=\"#aceFaqToggs\">\r\n                          <div class=\"ace-faq-elem-cont\">\n<p>As per TRAI guidelines, you pay a transaction fee of Rs 6.46 after submitting your porting forms and documents.<\/p>\n<p><span data-teams=\"true\"><\/div>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                      <\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ace-faq-elem\">\r\n                        <div class=\"ace-faq-elem-head\" id=\"aceFAQHead8422\">\r\n                          <h3 class=\"mb-0\">\r\n                            <button class=\"ace-faq-elem-togg\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#aceFAQ8422\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"aceFAQ8422\">\r\n                              How long does mobile number porting take?\r\n                            <\/button>\r\n                          <\/h3>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n\r\n                        <div id=\"aceFAQ8422\" class=\"collapse ace-faq-elem-cont-part\" aria-labelledby=\"aceFAQHead8422\" data-parent=\"#aceFaqToggs\">\r\n                          <div class=\"ace-faq-elem-cont\">\n<p>Porting within the same circle or LSA takes three working days, inter-circle porting takes five days, and it can take up to 30 days for Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and other Northeast states.<\/p>\n<p><span data-teams=\"true\"><\/div>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                      <\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"ace-faq-elem\">\r\n                        <div class=\"ace-faq-elem-head\" id=\"aceFAQHead2671\">\r\n                          <h3 class=\"mb-0\">\r\n                            <button class=\"ace-faq-elem-togg\" type=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#aceFAQ2671\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"aceFAQ2671\">\r\n                              Can I cancel my porting request?\r\n                            <\/button>\r\n                          <\/h3>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n\r\n                        <div id=\"aceFAQ2671\" class=\"collapse ace-faq-elem-cont-part\" aria-labelledby=\"aceFAQHead2671\" data-parent=\"#aceFaqToggs\">\r\n                          <div class=\"ace-faq-elem-cont\">\n<p>Yes. You can withdraw your request within 24 hours by sending an SMS with the text \u201cCANCEL\u201d followed by a space and your ten-digit mobile number to 1900.<\/p>\n<p><span data-teams=\"true\"><\/div>\r\n                        <\/div>\r\n                      <\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p>\r\n                    <\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India is a massive country with a diverse population and a vast user base of mobile devices and networks. With the market offering such immense potential, it isn\u2019t surprising that the competition between telecom operators is booming. This is a boon for users who have access to new and more affordable telecom plans every day. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":19599,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[114,168,135],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-14466","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business-communications","8":"category-business-phone-numbers","9":"category-trending"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14466","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14466"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14466\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26996,"href":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14466\/revisions\/26996"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19599"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14466"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14466"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.acefone.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14466"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}