Today, having a good mobile network is imperative. A mobile network enables you to connect with your loved ones even if you are miles away. However, if your network cannot keep up with your connectivity requirements, you may consider changing your network provider. You can do so with a number porting process that retains your existing mobile number. The best part is that it does not matter if you are using a prepaid or postpaid connection. Read on to know more.
What Is Number Porting?
Mobile number porting, also known as mobile number portability (MNP), is a process that lets you switch from your existing mobile network provider to another provider. With MPN, your mobile number remains the same.
Assume you have moved to another city where your existing network is weak or inaccessible. In such a case, you have two options. You can subscribe to a different service provider by purchasing a new Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or retain your existing number with a new provider with MNP. Selecting the second option proves beneficial since you may have linked your various accounts and services to your mobile number. MNP also paves the path to improved network connectivity with your old number.
How To Port Mobile Number?
After choosing your preferred network for number porting, you must follow these steps.
- From your existing mobile number, send an SMS to 1900 in the format: PORT<space><Mobile number>. If your existing mobile number is 1234567890, the SMS will look like ‘PORT 1234567890’.
- Your existing network provider generates an 8-digit Unique Porting Request (UPC). You will receive the UPC via SMS on your current mobile number. The UPC is valid for four days in all states except Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Northeast, where the validity is 30 days.
- Contact your new network operator and submit the Customer Acquisition Form (CAF), the UPC number and the required documents (ID/address proof, photographs, etc.).
- Pay the necessary amount to receive a new SIM card. You may also withdraw your porting request within 24 hours.
- It takes 3 to 15 working days to complete the porting request, after which you will receive the porting details via an SMS notification on your existing number. Your existing number will become unserviceable for up to four hours once you receive the SMS.
- Insert the new SIM card into your phone and complete the verification process. Your new network shall become activated after some time.
Things To Remember About Mobile Number Portability
- For post-paid connections, you must clear all your outstanding bills before porting.
- You should have a valid, active number for at least 90 days.
- Your current mobile number should not be sub-judice.
- There should be no ownership transfer process associated with your existing mobile number.
Final Note: If you experience issues like poor connectivity, high tariff, etc., with your existing mobile network, porting your mobile number to another network provider can prove helpful. You can also continue using your current mobile number, which may be linked to your bank accounts, credit cards, Income Tax, PAN, Aadhaar, etc., with number porting.
Enjoy a seamless mobile porting experience with Vi.
