Procedure for Mobile Number portability.

We all know that Mobile Number Portability (MNP) will be a reality from 20th January 2011, as Government has at last announced the launch of this facility for the entire India from this date.

We do not know at this stage how this arrangement would span out but it's really boon for the customers who want to shift to other mobile network for want of quality, lesser cost or for more facility such as 3G.

The procedure for switching over from one mobile network to another mobile network is as follows:

The customer should send a SMS (PORTMobile Number) from the number he wishes to transfer from one mobile network to the other, to number 1900.

Then the customer will receive a Unique Porting Code (UPC) by SMS from his current service provider.
Now the paper work comes. The Customer will have to furnish his details in the prescribed application form to the chosen new mobile network along with Unique Porting Code (UPC) that he got through SMS.

The new mobile network company should then ensure that the switched over customer gets the connection from the new mobile network within seven working days.

TRAI has fixed a ceiling of Rs 19 on porting charges which the new service provider may collect from the subscriber.

Post-paid subscribers, before making the porting request, have to make sure that their last bill has been paid failing which the request for change to new service provider shall be rejected.

In the case of pre-paid subscriber, any balance amount left will not be carried forward when the number is transferred to the new service provider.