How to port your mobile number:: Business Line

Changing your existing mobile network operator is one of the best options, if you face issues in getting decent quality of service. This could range from your provider charging for unasked value added service, poor network quality or coverage with frequent dropped calls or even poor customer service.

The recent auction of 2G airwaves, post the Supreme Court’s ruling, with many new operators either staying out or bidding very selectively means that your service provider may no longer operate in your state or city.

All these reasons are enough for you to shunt out your operator and port to a new one. The procedure is fairly straightforward. But some of you may have been denied such porting opportunity. You can complain to the telecom regulator if your application has been rejected without any significant reason.

While this doesn’t mean that the operator will take up your application again, the telecom regulator has indicated that operators can be fined Rs 5,000-10,000 for a rejection. This is a significant disincentive for them to deny porting opportunities.

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PORTING OUT

Besides this, you need to be aware of certain key factors such as your present mobile recharge balance (in case of prepaid), your unpaid bills (if post paid), porting charges and more importantly what your new operator would charge for calls and messages.

When you feel you have had enough of your operator, you can get started by sending a message.

Type PORT and send it to 1900, which is the number of the number portability provider. In return, you would receive an acknowledgement in the form of a porting code.

You need to make note of this code and give it to your new operator, along with documents such as address proof, bills paid and so on. The new operator will give you a SIM card after verifying your documents.

Note that you should have been with your present mobile service provider for at least 90 days before you shunt out. Porting between providers takes around 7 working days (longer in case of states such as Jammu & Kashmir) and you will receive a message in your (old) mobile connection about the exact date and time of porting.

There would be a minor disruption with no service for about two hours. To make it hassle free for subscribers, the timing of disruption usually starts from the midnight prior to your confirmed porting date.

You can then change your SIM card and replace it with that of the new operator.

FACTORING COSTS

The cost of porting is kept at Rs 19. But there are many other considerations. If you are a pre-paid customer, you will forego all the balance once you change service providers as it cannot be carried forward. So, do ensure that you exhaust your balance before moving out.If you are a post-paid customer, there is no escaping paying your previous bills. In fact, you will have to show your last paid bill to the new operator. Finally, be conscious about choosing the right tariff plan from your new operator so that you don’t end up paying through your nose. The telecom regulator has mandated that all mobile service companies must offer at least one ‘per-second’ plan to customers.