Mobile Number Portability (MNP): Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

[rajanmehta 4,056]

Some important FAQ's from the point of view of consumers for Mobile Number Portability

Everyone waiting with excitement for MNP launch in their respective circles. I thought some FAQ on important issues at one place will help all. So drafted this. I know there is a separate MNP thread but some critical information gets lost in so many posts and also some questions are not answered there. Hope you all find this useful. Will update this if something more comes to attention. Thank You and enjoy MNP.

When is MNP being launched in my circle.

Mobile Number Portability has been launched across India on 20th January 2011. For Official Confirmation of this, See Here http://www.rimweb.in...post__p__216104

In What circumstances my request for MNP may be rejected?

-A period of 90 days has not expired from the date of porting if you have ported your number earlier.

-A period of 90 days has not expired from the date of activation of your current number even if it was not ported earlier.

-There are some outstanding dues by way of pending bill or bills.

-There is a pending request for change of ownership of number.

-The mobile number to be ported is sub-judice.

-Any court has passed an order prohibiting the porting of the concerned number.

What exactly is meant by outstanding dues.

Outstanding dues will mean the amount by way of actually generated bills as on the date of your request for MNP. Suppose if your Billing Date is 7th of each month and you make a request for MNP on 15th of that month, outstanding dues will mean the amount of your bill generated on 7th of that month. The subsequent amount of your usage and rent till the time of actual number porting will have to be paid by you to your existing operator later on as and when the final bill is generated. However this amount is not considered as outstanding. You are only supposed to pay it. If you don't, then even after MNP, your number can be de activated by the new operator based on complaint by your existing operator.

I am a very old mobile subscriber and in the earlier days there was a lot of deposits to be paid for STD, ISD. I have such deposits with my existing operator. Can i adjust it against my outstanding so as not to wait for a refund.

You cannot. However as per the TRAI Quality of Service norms, your existing operator is supposed to refund you all the deposit within a period of 60 days from the date of closure.

I am a CDMA subscriber and want to switch to a GSM Service. My friend is having GSM Service and wants to switch to CDMA Service? Is it possible?

Yes. You will be able to switch from CDMA>GSM as well as GSM>CDMA.But you will need a GSM Handset if switching from CDMA and CDMA handset if switching from GSM.

I am swiching from CDMA to CDMA and have an official handset from my current operator. Will the same handset work with the new operator.

If you are having an OMH (Open Market Handset) Sim CDMA handset, it will work with the new CDMA service provider. For other handsets it is a grey area. TRAI in its Mobile Number Portability Regulations has mentioned the following as one of the reasons for rejection of MNP request.

"there are subsisting contractual obligations in respect of which an exit clause has been provided in the subscriber agreement but the subscriber has not complied with such exit clause:"

There are lots of CDMA handsets sold at cheap rates by operators. You pay as less as Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 for them. However we all don't care to read the fineprint of terms and conditions. If the terms and conditions says that the handset is the property of the operator, then you will be stuck there as the operators will interpret the above TRAI clause as per their convenience and say that the customer needs to return the handset back to them.

I am a postpaid subscriber but would like to be prepaid one with the new operator.

Yes you can do that. You can also be a postpaid subscriber from prepaid.

I am a prepaid subscriber and have a good amount of balance in my account. Will it be carried forward to new operator.

No. You will lose your prepaid credit balance with the existing operator.

I have a lot of add on packs like SMS, Onnet free talktime etc. Will it be carried forward to the new operator of my choice.

Unfortunately No. You will have to select a fresh plan of your choice from the new operator.

For how long my services be disrupted.

Your services will be disrupted for not more than 2 hours on the day of actual porting. Even this will be mostly done between late evening to early morning hours to cause least inconvenience. Your phone will remain operational on all days while your MNP request is under process.

I am interested in switching to a new operator of my liking. What do i need to do?

-Send an SMS: PORT<space>Mobile Number (that is to be ported) to 1900.

For ex. PORT 1234567890

-Your existing operator will immediately provide you with a 8 digit alpha-numeric porting code that you need to submit to the operator you wish to opt to along with relevant documents.

-The unique porting code will be valid for 15 days for all service areas except Jammu & Kashmir, Asaam & North East Licensed areas where the validity of the Unique Porting Code allocated to a subscriber will be 30 days from the date of request OR till such time the number is ported out, whichever is earlier, irrespective of the number of requests the subscriber makes.

- You need to submit the documents to operator of your choice within this time frame.

-Your number will be ported to the new operator within a maximum time frame of 7 Working days. For Jammu & Kashmir it will be maximum 15 Working days.

What Documents are required for porting the number to a new operator?

-Duly Filled Customer Application Form of your new operator alongwith the UPC (Unique Porting Code) details.

-Your Adress Proof and Identity Proof.

-Copy of last bill paid to your current operator.

I made a porting request to the new operator but now changed my mind and do not want to shift. What to do?

You can cancel your porting request to the new operator within 24 hours of submitting the application but the porting fees of Rs 19 (If you had paid) will be non refundable.

I will port from say Reliance to Tata Docomo. I understand that my number remains the same but if i surrender my number in Tata Docomo, what happens to the number?

Once you surrender your ported number, it will again revert back to the Original Operator for issue to a new customer.

I stay in Gujarat but now will be shifting to Mumbai Soon. So i guess it makes sense to port my number to a Mumbai Circle Telecom Operator.

Currently you can only port your number to an operator within your telecom circle. Inter Circle portability is not allowed yet but is on the radar of the govt. and will happen ultimately.

Can i use the same SIM Card of my current operator after i port to a new operator.

No. Your Operator will issue a new Sim Card to you. You can continue to use your current operator's Sim card even after you give the portability request but only till the time of actual porting. Once porting is done, insert the new sim card.

I am sick of those unwanted marketing calls and already registered with the Do Not Call Registry. I guess even after porting i will have peace of mind as my number remains the same.

Picture is not completely clear yet but some operators are saying that you will need to re-register for Do Not Call Registry. If your new operator has an option in the CAF form for activation of DND, select it otherwise activate it after porting.

Is there any charges for this?

TRAI has mandated maximum of Rs. 19/- for MNP request to be paid to your new operator. However your new operator has the option to waive it off.

I fulfill all the criteria for porting my number still my porting request was rejected by my current operator/i am facing technical glitches wherein my current operator has de-activated my number but new operator is not activating hence i cannot make or receive any calls/What to do if i have any complaints regarding my MNP porting process?

You should first try lodging complaints with your current/new operator for resolution of your MNP porting related complaints. If still there is no resolution, you can always complain to Deptt. of Telecom OR TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India). Officially neither DOT or TRAI has announced any procedure/contact details for people wanting to complain regarding MNP Process/issues. However, you can lodge your complain on the following public e-mail of DOT & TRAI.

Deptt. Of Telecom ddgpg-dot@nic.in

TRAI ca@trai.gov.in

What Precautions i should take so that my porting request is not rejected?

During Generating The Port Out Code:

Ensure that the SMS you are sending for generating the Porting Code is without any signature. Many people put default signatures in their SMS.

Some of the Operators are intentionally blocking the Generation of Port Code and you may receive messages like, "Can not process Your Request, Please Try After Some Time". In such cases, lodge a complaint with the Customer Service of Your Operator and wait for resolution. While lodging the complaint, be firm and tell your Operator that unless your complaint is processed in a reasonable time frame, You will take the matter further by lodging Complaints to DOT and TRAI.

Before Proceeding to New Operator With Port In Request

Ensure that there is no pending request for Change of Ownership of your number with the current operator.

Ensure that you have already paid of your last generated bill to your current operator if you are a post paid customer.

Check that 90 days have passed from the date when your services was activated with the current operator.

If you have converted your Postpaid to Prepaid with your current operator, ensure that 90 days have passed from the date of activation of Prepaid. (Though this is not uniform and debatable)

Do not give Port In request to more than One Operator with the same UPC Code.

If you have received any free handset with time commitment or are under some scheme with your current operator which mandates you to fulfill certain obligations, Clarify with your current operator what you need to do so that your contractual obligations are fulfilled and port out will not be rejected.

While Going to New Operator For Port In

Ensure that your Unique Porting Code and Mobile Number is Correctly Filled in the Necessary Forms.

During The Porting Process

If you are a Postpaid Customer and a fresh bill is generated while the porting process is going on, Pay it off immediately preferably in Cash at the Operators Outlets, So it reflects immediately in your account.

Edited February 8, 2011 by rajanmehta

[KanagaDeepan 1,084]

Rajan bhai.. +1 for you.. Many points are helpful, especially the "OUTSTANDING DUES" part..

In What circumstances my request for MNP may be rejected?

-A period of 90 days has not expired from the date of porting if you have ported your number earlier.

I still have one doubt, reg above point.. you said that "WAITING OF 90 DAYS is a must, if you have ported your number earlier".. Then what about new porting requests of NEW CONNECTIONS.. Say, I got a very good new FANCY number from Airtel yesterday and I just want to jump to BSNL today... Whether it is allowed??? Or I have to wait for 3 months anyway??? Please clarify this...

Edited November 28, 2010 by KanagaDeepan

[Honest 836]

Great piece of information dear Rajan Brother.

+1

[rajanmehta 4,056]

@KanagaDeepan

The waiting period of 90 days is applicable if you have already ported your number before. In your case if you have got an Airtel Connection which was never ported before (Irrespective of the fact that it is 1 day old or more), you will be able to port to BSNL. TRAI regulations do not place any day or time limit for numbers which were not ported earlier. So enjoy!!

[KanagaDeepan 1,084]

Wow... So friends, get any fancy number for cheap from any operator for now and get ready to jump to any operator of your choice with that number..

[manishag 17]

Rajan bhai.. +1 for you.. Many points are helpful, especially the "OUTSTANDING DUES" part..

In What circumstances my request for MNP may be rejected?

-A period of 90 days has not expired from the date of porting if you have ported your number earlier.

I still have one doubt, reg above point.. you said that "WAITING OF 90 DAYS is a must, if you have ported your number earlier".. Then what about new porting requests of NEW CONNECTIONS.. Say, I got a very good new FANCY number from Airtel yesterday and I just want to jump to BSNL today... Whether it is allowed??? Or I have to wait for 3 months anyway??? Please clarify this...

90 days waiting period is applicable to new numbers also.

so you have to wait for 90 days

actual clause for number porting is that

you have to wait for 90 days from last porting or activation of new number before you can port the number with the new operator

[rajanmehta 4,056]

90 days waiting period is applicable to new numbers also.

you have to wait for 90 days from last porting or activation of new number before you can port the number with the new operator

Yes Manish. You are right. Stand corrected.

@kanaga. Sorry mate. Bit sleepy yesterday night i suppose.

[sujaisundar 0]

nice info thanks

so the long wait for MNP is over....

hope will get good offers from operators

[Genius 817]

@ Rajan here is something for you

Now i was going through net and found some additional info so posting it:

Can i switch circle through MNP?

No. The inter-circle portability has not been implemented yet.

Do i need to have a new SIM from new operator?

Yes. You will need to change your SIM. Apart from number retention everything is same as getting a new connection.

Edited November 29, 2010 by Genius

[tarun_kabra 204]

Great information Rajan Bhai, +1 for u.

[rohan_4ever20 8]

+1 for you,Rajan Bhai

[gmkarthikeyhan 2]

+1 for you,Rajan Bhai Thank you...

[neerajayshree 36]

keep it up sirji

+1

Thanks

Edited November 29, 2010 by neerajayshree

[kalpeshaparmar 66]

Guys to all,

He started to help everybody if u all want too give +1 or more please click on the + sign after the Post..........

He already mentioned he started this topic only to clear doubts nothing else........

Please don't spam these also.......

Sorry if all the Rimweb member's & Guru's if i am being rude............

But we should use the technology properly sorry once again........

[Anupe 14]

Thank you Rajan. Just talked to CC of Airtel and Reliance in Kerala, unfortunately no dates have been fixed for MNP here as yet

Edit: Just got a call back from Reliance CC. MNP date for Kerala is Dec 21st.

Edited November 29, 2010 by Anupe

[copperco2 24]

Guys to all,

He started to help everybody if u all want too give +1 or more please click on the + sign after the Post..........

He already mentioned he started this topic only to clear doubts nothing else........

Please don't spam these also.......

Sorry if all the Rimweb member's & Guru's if i am being rude............

But we should use the technology properly sorry once again........

I think all the +1's are added to the original post i.e. the first one.

and the green button to every post is to rate that particular post/ comment/ info and not the thread itself.

Secondly, the members have shown their appreciation by commenting and mentioning their appreciation..in terms of "+1" at the same time hitting the green button..

Pl. correct me if wrong.

Lastly

pl. do not hurry to change over becuase networks are going to TRY and TRY very hard to prevent the migrations and get new subscribers.. so they are prone to launch much interesting plans post full fledged rollout.. As i believe if one operator has changed his plans then the competitor has to wait for a cool down period before announcing a better or similar one i.e. plan for consiumers.

Therefore take a informed decision..

Edited November 29, 2010 by copperco2

[Saurav 22]

For MNP are the Name & Address Required to be same as for Previous operator.

[Honest 836]

^^^

I don't think so. As you have to submit the fresh documents with the new operator. So you can submit the documents with the new address.

[copperco2 24]

It is similar to when your existing operator asks for the documents..

[rkburra 1]

I have a RGSM Mumbai circle number and using in Pune.

Is it possible to change it from RGSM to Docomo mumbai circle by providing the required docs in Pune?

[Honest 836]

^^^

Yes my dear friend, you can do so.

[rkburra 1]

Thanks Honest. Waiting for MNP in Mumbai & Maharastra.

Come out of sick RGSM.

^^^

Yes my dear friend, you can do so.

[kalpeshaparmar 66]

^^^

Yes my dear friend, you can do so.

Is Mumbai and Rest of Maharashtra Circle made into one...........

[me_saket 73]

Schedule is 100% correct? or need modification?

[Honest 836]

^^^

I don't think there will be any need for rescheduling.