Jan 20, 2011

Finally, Freedom of choice: Mobile number portability has arrived in India. MNP was first launched as a pilot project in northern district of haryana. Now, Prime Minister of India has flagged of the MNP which will cover length and breadth of India. So what exactly is this facility?

#It allows you to change your service provider(Eg from Idea to BSNL) without changing you phone number.
 Example: If your num is 9490******* you can retain the same number, even after changing your service provider. Isn't this cool?

So, how to change your service provider?


  • User will have to obtain a unique porting number by sending a SMS. SMS to 1900 saying PORT your current mobile number. You will then receive an eight-character code or your Unique Porting ID (UPID) that also comes with an expiry date
  •  The code along with filled forms and valid identity proof documents need to be submitted to the new operator.
  • Rs 19 is the switching fee.
  • A user can switch after 90 days of a new connection being activated.
  • Postpaid users need to clear all dues before applying to switch.
  • Prepaid users lose any remaining talk time after switching.
  • MNP request can be cancelled within 24 hours and a new request should be processed within 7 days
Telecom companies have left no stone unturned to reach out to new as well as existing customers. So, are you CHANGING your service provider?


Image courtesy : Neytri