Unhappy with your current mobile network but don't want to lose the phone number you have been using for years? Mobile Number Portability (MNP) allows users to move their existing mobile number from one telecom operator to another while keeping the same number.

Telecom companies in India offer a wide variety of prepaid and postpaid plans with different data limits, validity periods and other benefits. Sometimes, another operator may offer a plan, network coverage or benefits that better suit your requirements. Instead of taking a completely new number, eligible users can port their existing connection to the preferred telecom network.

However, certain conditions must be met before a porting request can be processed. Users also need a Unique Porting Code (UPC) to begin the process.

What Is Mobile Number Portability?

Mobile Number Portability allows a subscriber to change telecom operators without changing the existing mobile number.

For example, if you currently use one network and want to move to another operator, you can request porting instead of buying a connection with a different number.

Once the process is successfully completed, your old operator's SIM stops providing service and the same mobile number becomes active on the new operator's SIM.

This can be useful for customers who want to switch because of network coverage, tariff plans, data benefits or other service-related considerations.

Who Is Eligible to Port a Mobile Number?

According to the eligibility conditions mentioned in the source, users must meet certain requirements before requesting Mobile Number Portability.

The mobile number should have remained active on the existing network for at least 90 days.

Postpaid customers should also clear all outstanding bills owed to their current telecom operator before starting the porting process.

Additionally, there should be no pending request for a change in ownership of the mobile number.

The number should not be involved in a court case or be subject to a court order restricting porting. There should also be no contractual obligation preventing the number from being transferred.

Another important condition mentioned in the source is that the SIM linked to the mobile number should not have been swapped or replaced during the previous seven days.

How to Generate a Unique Porting Code

The first major step is generating a Unique Porting Code or UPC.

You need to send an SMS from the mobile number you want to port.

Type:

PORT <10-digit mobile number>

and send the message to 1900.

After the request is processed, you should receive the UPC through an SMS from 1901. This code will be required when submitting the porting request to the new telecom operator.

Keep the UPC safe until you complete the application process.

How to Port Your Mobile Number to Another Network

After receiving the UPC, visit the Point of Sale or authorised outlet of the telecom operator whose network you want to join.

You will need to complete the required Customer Acquisition Form (CAF) and Porting Form.

Next, complete the KYC verification process and pay any applicable porting-related charge.

Once your application has been submitted, you should receive an SMS regarding the status of your MNP request.

According to the source, customers who change their mind can withdraw the porting request within 24 hours of submitting it.

How Long Does Mobile Number Porting Take?

The source states that the mobile number will generally be transferred to the new network within three working days.

The customer should receive an SMS confirming the progress or completion of the porting process.

After receiving the new SIM carrying the same mobile number, insert it into your smartphone.

Complete any verification or activation procedure required by the new telecom company. Once the new SIM is activated, you can begin using the same mobile number on your new network.

Actual processing can depend on the applicable MNP rules and circumstances of the request.

What Happens to Your Old SIM?

Until the porting process is completed, your existing SIM should normally continue to work on your current network.

Once the mobile number is successfully transferred and activated on the new operator's SIM, the old SIM will stop providing network service.

Your phone number itself remains unchanged.

This means people who already have your number saved generally do not need to update your contact information simply because you have changed telecom operators.

Important Checks Before Requesting MNP

Before starting the process, confirm that your number meets all eligibility requirements.

In particular, postpaid customers should check for pending dues. You should also make sure the number has been active with the existing operator for the required period and that the SIM was not recently replaced.

Do not discard your existing SIM immediately after submitting the porting request. You may need it to receive SMS updates and other information until the transfer is completed.

Also keep the UPC and application details available until the new SIM starts working.

Why Do People Port Their Mobile Numbers?

There can be several reasons for changing mobile networks.

Some users may experience weak network coverage or slow mobile data in places where they frequently use their phones. Others may find a different operator offering a prepaid or postpaid plan that better matches their data, calling or validity requirements.

For some customers, pricing may be important, while others may prioritise coverage and service quality.

Mobile Number Portability gives customers the flexibility to consider another operator without giving up an established phone number.

Check Network Quality Before Switching

Price should not be the only factor when selecting your next telecom operator.

Before porting, compare network coverage, mobile data performance, prepaid or postpaid plan prices, validity and customer-service options.

A cheaper plan may not necessarily be better if the new operator has weak coverage in the locations where you spend most of your time.

Once you have chosen a suitable operator, generate the UPC by sending PORT followed by your 10-digit mobile number to 1900, complete the required forms and KYC process with the new provider, and