What is SIM Porting?
SIM Porting also commonly referred to as ‘Mobile Number Porting’ is a service that enables users to switch their mobile network carrier without changing their phone number. Earlier, if users wished to change their network carrier, they could not retain their existing phone number. This would lead to a lot of confusion, lost contacts, and many other communication obstacles. This led to many mobile phone users being unhappy with their existing carrier yet unable to switch as their contact numbers were important for their business, social, and other activities.
The Indian government introduced Mobile Number Portability in 2011, much to the delight of users who now had the freedom and opportunity to change their network carrier without losing their phone number. Mobile Number Portability granted more control to the users, and it was a move that was welcomed universally. It also made it crucial for network carriers to provide the best service and plans to their users in order to retain their loyalty and business.
SIM Porting or MNP put the users in control, and over the years, the SIM Porting process has become easier, quicker, and more convenient for users across the country.
Why do people choose SIM Porting?
There are many reasons why people can choose to port their SIM and change their network carrier. One of the most cited reasons for mobile number porting is a lack of satisfaction with the service of their current carrier, and a wish to move to a different carrier for better service and network.
Another reason people might choose SIM porting is to find a network operator that offers better tariff plans, benefits, and/or services at a better price. Sometimes, people have different needs and might feel their needs are better met by a different product/provider. These factors can also lead to some people choosing to port their mobile numbers to a different operator.
What are the advantages of Porting your SIM?
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Convenience: Porting your SIM card enables you to switch to a different network without changing your phone number. This eliminates the need to inform friends, family, and business associates about the new contact details.
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Retaining a familiar number: Your mobile number is often associated with personal and professional connections. By porting your SIM, you can maintain continuity and avoid any disruption caused by changing numbers.
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Competitive market: MNP fosters healthy competition among telecom service providers. Providers strive to offer better services, attractive tariff plans, and improved network coverage to attract customers from rival networks.
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Cost savings: Switching to a network provider that offers better tariff plans and packages can result in significant cost savings for consumers. MNP enables you to choose the provider that best meets your communication needs and budget.
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Quality of service: MNP encourages service providers to enhance their network coverage, improve call quality, and offer better customer service to retain existing customers and attract new ones.
How many times can you Port your SIM?
Users can port their mobile number as many times as they wish to. However, there are some restrictions placed on the process which include the following-
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Users must be a part of their existing network for 90 days before they can switch to another.
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Users have to fulfill all their contractual obligations to their to-be-former network operator and clear any pending dues and charges.
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No change of ownership for the mobile number is in process before initiating a mobile number porting request.
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The mobile number to be ported is not sub-judice (involved in any judicial matters).
If all the aforementioned criteria have been fulfilled, users can proceed to initiate the mobile number porting process from the comfort of their homes.
How to start the process of SIM Porting?
If you are not satisfied with the services of your existing mobile network operator and wish to switch to another operator, here is how you can initiate a SIM porting request and get started. For the sake of uniformity, we shall explore the possibility of a user who wants to switch from their existing operator to Jio. Here is how a user can proceed.
Step 1: Select a new mobile network provider
By doing your research, you can identify which mobile network you wish to move to. If you wish to any of the major mobile operators of the country, it is always a good idea to find out about their tariff plans, benefits, add-ons, and network availability in your region. It is also a good idea to find out if the network operator you have chosen offers reliable customer service.
Step 2: Text PORT to 1900 to generate a Unique Porting Code (UPC)
The first step to initiate the SIM porting process is to send a text from your mobile number in the following format – PORT <10-digit mobile number> to 1900.
You will receive a Unique Porting Code via SMS after you send this text, and this Unique Porting Code will remain valid for 4 days. Therefore, after generating the UPC, you must complete the process of mobile number porting soon by submitting a request.
In case you choose to switch to Jio, you can easily apply for a new SIM Card and get it delivered to your home for no extra cost. An executive will visit you to verify your documents and deliver the new Jio SIM to you free of cost. Let us explore the next step in the process of mobile number porting.
Step 3: Submitting the porting request
For the next step, you need to visit the nearest customer care center or outlet of the new mobile network operator. Fill out the form for Mobile Number Porting with the necessary details, including the Unique Porting Code received from your current network operator.
In order to complete the process of SIM porting, you will need to furnish your documents. You will need to provide Identity Proof and Address Proof (AADHAR Card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID, etc.) and a passport-sized photograph of yourself. Once you have filled out the form and provided the necessary verified documentation, you can submit the same and wait for the SIM porting process to proceed.
Step 4: Select a new plan with your new network operator
Consider your budget, needs, and preferred benefits along with other details to select an appropriate new prepaid/postpaid plan with your new mobile network operator. Once you have selected the new plan that best suits your preferences and needs, you can wait for the next step of the process to take place.
Step 5: Verification process
The next step involves your existing network operator conducting a verification to check if there are no pending dues or obligations from the users’ end. You might receive a phone call for verification purposes before the entire process is completed.
Step 6: Processing the porting request
Once the verification process is completed, the SIM porting request will be forwarded to your current service provider, and they can initiate the porting process. This usually takes 7 working days to complete. During this transition period, it is essential for users to keep their existing SIM card active to receive incoming calls and messages.
Step 7: Activating of the new SIM Card
After the porting process is completed, users receive an SMS notification from their current service provider informing them about the porting date and time. At this stage, the existing SIM card will lose network connectivity. Destroy and discard the old SIM card from your phone, replacing it with the new SIM card provided by the new service provider.
If you have chosen to port to Jio, you can track the home delivery of your new SIM via the MyJio app. After you receive the new Jio SIM, you can start using the new SIM and gain the benefits of your new mobile network operator. You can avail the benefits of the Jio True 5G Welcome Offer that provides unlimited 5G data and peak internet speeds of up to 1GBPS for no extra costs. Jio users can use their existing 4G LTE SIM Cards to access 5G services. So, if you have a 5G enabled handset, you will not need to upgrade to a 5G SIM Card.
Step 8: Set up your new SIM card
If you have any questions regarding the new SIM card activation process, you can visit the website of your new network operator and follow the steps mentioned therein. You can also contact a customer service representative or visit the nearest store for any assistance you require.
After the completion of the activation process, you can connect to the new operators’ network, and you can use your new SIM from then onwards.
The introduction of the Mobile Number Portability service was a revolutionary new step in India, and it has enabled consumers to have the necessary freedom to choose their network operator. It creates a fundamental need for operators to deliver quality service and a satisfactory experience for their consumers. This empowering ability for consumers has resulted in millions of people opting to port their mobile number and move to a new operator that they feel is the right choice.
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