How to port a SIM card?

Porting a SIM card means changing your mobile network carrier while keeping your phone number. There could be multiple reasons to port your mobile number. Maybe your carrier is too expensive for you, or you are having trouble getting a good enough signal after signing a contract or switching locations. There could be so many causes, but those are irrelevant to the procedure. In India, the feature is called MNP (Mobile Number Portability) and is designed and overseen by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). As expected, it allows you to port your SIM card to another operator at a nominal cost. Let’s explain the steps required.

Note. Though the name of the feature is similar, and the procedure is comparable at its core, every country gives it a different name and includes some extra steps. Since we can’t cover them all, we’ll use India for the demonstration.

Process of Porting a SIM Mobile Number to Another Carrier

First, decide the telecom operator you want to switch your mobile phone number to. With that in mind, follow these steps to port a SIM card phone number:

1. Compose an SMS consisting of PORT(space)<10-digit mobile number you wish to port> and send it to 1900. For example, PORT <982××××××7> and send the text to 1900.
2. You will receive an 8-digit UPC (Unique Porting Code) shortly. Your existing mobile network carrier is the one who forwards it.
3. Get in touch with the mobile network provider you want to start using. The best method is to visit their store/outlet along with required documents. Hand over the documents and provide the UPC you received. The new operator will charge an insignificant fee, which varies from operator to operator. 
4. At this stage, the new carrier will send a request to your old carrier for verification of your bill payments. It’s up to the old operator to decide whether to allow you to port your number. You will receive an SMS notifying you of the petition status within a week.
5. If your appeal is approved, your new carrier will also describe the SIM portability process and its time and date with an SMS. When the scheduled time comes, your mobile number will remain inactive for about 2 hours. 
6. You can insert the new SIM card and access the services of your new carrier. 

Things to Remember During the Porting Process

Though the strategy seems straightforward, there are certain things to keep in mind. When you send the SMS to port your number, it should be from the one you want to port. Do not send the SMS from another number. The Unique Porting Code (UPC) you receive remains valid for 4 days, so you should submit it within that time. For locations like Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and the North-Eastern states, the UPC remains valid for 30 days instead of 4. Furthermore, per the rules of TRAI, the porting process must finish within 4 days after you apply.

Am I Eligible to Port My SIM Card Number?

Every prepaid and postpaid user can port their mobile number if they used the services of the old carrier for at least 90 days. Apart from this, some conditions you need to fulfill for porting your number are:

1. If you are a postpaid user, there shouldn’t be an outstanding or unpaid bill amount. You need to be obligation-free before applying for MNP.
2. Your mobile number shouldn’t be prohibited by the court of law.
3. If you are a prepaid user, no negative balance on your main account should be there. Pay the negative balance first.

Documents Required For Mobile Number Portability

There are only a few valid documents needed to process your application (in India) successfully:

1. Copy of your civil ID.
2. Copy of an address proof. It could be something like your electricity bill, landline telephone bill, voter ID, etc.
3. You need to fill a Customer Agreement Form (CAF) along with UPC details.
4. If you are a postpaid user, submit the copy of your last postpaid bill.

Can I Cancel the SIM Card Port? 

Yes, but you will need to cancel the SIM porting procedure within 24 hours of sending the message. If you realized you don’t want to switch, send the text using the same number you initiated the request from. Simply type CANCEL(space)<the 10-digit mobile number whose portability you want to cancel> to 1900. For example, CANCEL <982××××××1> and forward the SMS to 1900. If you miss the 24 hours deadline, you must complete the mobile phone number portability process regardless. Thankfully, you’re only required by law to employ the services of the new carrier for 90 days.

Afterward, send the porting request for the old carrier. Repeat the process all over again to transition back. The second time should be far easier since you know you fulfill the conditions and have the necessary documents and practical knowledge. Generally, it takes a maximum of 7 days to get your number ported, but many operators claim to do so within 24 hours. Remember that you will lose all your credit balance and the existing plan will be canceled once you make that shift. Therefore, it is recommended to use all your credit and finish the current plan before applying for MNP.