If you are not satisfied with your current network provider’s service and don’t want to lose your current number, then Mobile Number Portability is the option for you. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India(TRAI) introduced this very important feature some years back and now it’s become a piece of cake to switch between networks. You can port your number from any company’s network of any circle to other company of same/different circle. For example, you can switch from Airtel in Delhi-NCR circle to Jio in Delhi-NCR circle or to Jio in UP-West circle. You can even switch from 2G network of any company to 4G network of any other company as well or vice-versa.
Currently, the deadline to complete the porting process by the network provider is 7 working days from the day of registration. But TRAI has issued new guidelines, which restricts the network provider to complete the process in 2 working day for porting within same telecom circle and 4 working days for switching to another telecom circle. You can port only once in 90 days, so switch carefully and think twice before opting for a network.
Why people port?
People generally port because they may be getting better offerings from some other network provider company, which can help them in saving their precious money with better service quality. The mobile number remains the same and only the network provider changes, so you do not have the danger of losing contact with your friends, family members and colleagues etc.
Below is the step-by-step process to port you number:
- The first step in the process of porting is to decide which network provider you want to switch into. Let’s suppose you want to join Airtel 4G network from your existing Vodafone 4G network. So, look for Airtel store location near you. Some other popular network providers are BSNL, Reliance Jio, Idea etc. Choose your network after comparing the plans of all companies.
- Send an SMS in below-mentioned format to 1900 from the number you want to port. PORT<space>Mobile number
- You will get a confirmation SMS containing a Unique Porting Code(UPC) and the expiry date of this code from 1901. You will have to provide this code at the time of registration with your new service provider. Do not share this code with anyone else except the guy doing your porting process.
- Go to the nearest store of your desired network provider, the company you want to switch into.
- You need to carry documents like your Govt provided ID-card such as Aadhar Card, Driver’s license, PAN Card etc. in original and photocopy(if required) and passport-size photographs(for offline registration).
- Choose the plan you had already decided after comparing and provide your Unique Porting Code(UPC) at the store.
- The guy there will help you the registration process and you are done.
- You will receive an SMS from your new network provider about the date when the porting process is about to complete.
- When your network on the old SIM-card stops, switch to the new SIM-card provided at the time of registration.
- The last step is to recharge with the already opted plan or skip this step if you had already recharged at the time of registration.
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