Break-up with your mobile service provider

I am talking about putting Mobile Number Portability to use.




It’s been almost a month since mobile number portability (MNP) was launched in India. MNP allows subscribers to change their mobile service provider without the fear of losing their old mobile number. So you can switch from Airtel to Vodafone or Tata Docomo to Aircel, and still keep the same number.



The MNP launch, which was deferred four times due to reasons ranging from operators not being ready with their networks to security concerns, promises to open a new chapter for India's burgeoning mobile population.



Here is how MNP works:

1. Send an SMS to 1900 in following format: PORT

2. You will get an SMS reply that contains a unique porting code.

3. SMS the unique code to your preferred operator. This code is valid only for a few days, and one must apply again if it expires.

4. Your existing operator will check with new operator & if there are no dues then approval will be given for porting.

5. You will receive an SMS prompt on the day of porting.

6. Porting is complete when you receive an SMS from your new operator confirming the switch.



Other things you should know about MNP:

- Your phone may be dead for about 2 hours when the porting takes place.

- You will lose balance on prepaid cards.

- If you move from CDMA-to-GSM or vice-versa, you will also have to change your handset.

- Both post-paid and prepaid subscribers can switch carriers..

- Time taken to complete porting is 7 working days - 15 working days in J&K, North-east.

- The process will cost Rs 19. This will be collected by new service provider.

- Subscribers cannot switch across circles. In other words, you cannot take your Delhi number to an operator in Mumbai. You can only change operators within Delhi.

- You must be with a provider for at least three months before switching.



So now that you have all the ‘gyan’ about MNP do you think you are going to dump your carrier?



We do hope that operators bump up their service levels in the near future to keep their customers happy and keep them from switching. That would benefit everyone!

Mobile Number Portability Service

Mobile Number Portability service as per service provider.

IDEA -                      18002700000
AIRTEL -                  18001031111
BSNL -                     18001801503
TATA DOCOMO -  18002660000
VODAFONE -         18001234567