Mobile number portability: Here is how to port without changing phone number- brief guide

Mobile number portability allows you to shift to a new telecom operator without changing your phone number. Here is how to do it.

Mobile number portability is the simplest way to end your frustration with your current telecom operator. (Pixabay)

Struggling to cope and considering changing your telecom service provider because you think that tariff packages are too high or the service is bad? Or are you shifting from one location to another? Whatever the reason is, the one answer to all your problems is - mobile number portability. Yes, just switch to a new telecom operator! However, many people don't take this step for various reasons. Many think that changing the telecom operator means changing your phone number too, which all your friends, family, colleagues know and all official documents are linked to, like Aadhaar card, Pan card and more. However, this is wrong. You can port your phone number too! That means you can retain your current mobile number and still switch to a new telecom operator. To know how to port your phone number, here is what you need to do.

How to Port Mobile Number: A step-by-step guide

Step 1: Send an SMS to 1900 with the text PORT followed by the space Mobile number you wish to port>. The message would look like this: PORT 9811198111 and send this to 1900. You need to ensure that you are sending the message from the same number that you want to port.

Step 2: Following this, you will get an 8-digit UPC (Unique Porting Code) from your current telecom operator on your registered mobile number. This UPC will remain valid for four days except for Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, North East where UPC will be valid for 30 days.

Step 3: Next, you need to connect with your nearest service operator of the telecom operator in which you want to port your phone number and submit the 8-digit UPC code and required documents. The documents that you required are - ID proof copy, Address proof copy, CAF (Customer Agreement Form) with UPC details, and Last bill payment copy of the postpaid number. The new operator will charge the subscriber ₹5.74.

Step 4: The new operator will submit a request to the previous operator to verify your mobile bill payments' background. It's worth noting that the outcome of your prior operation determines whether or not your request for a mobile number porting is rejected or approved. Within a week, you will be advised of the progress of your request.

Step 5: After your request is approved, the new operator will send you an SMS with the time and date for the mobile SIM port process. Your mobile phone services will be unavailable for approximately 2 hours throughout the porting procedure.

Step 6: Your mobile number will be activated with the new network service once you insert the new SIM card.