The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has updated its Mobile Number Portability (MNP) rules. Under the new regulations, users cannot port their number to a different telecom operator if they have replaced their physical card in the last seven days.
The new rules have been implemented to prevent and reduce SIM swap fraud in the country. Let’s examine the new MNP rules more closely.
No Porting Within 7 Days Of New Physical SIM Card
If a user opts for a new physical SIM from their operator because their SIM is damaged, misplaced, or stolen, they will not be allowed to port that number to a new telecom operator for seven days. After the cooldown period, the user can switch their service provider.
TRAI says these rules aim to curb fraudulent SIM replacements in India. The regulator has noticed several malpractices related to MNP in the country, which increase the risk of fraud.
While TRAI did not mention the exact modus operandi of scammers abusing this system, it is a common complaint that most SIM card cloning frauds happen during MNP and SIM replacement procedures.
The new rules aim to give users enough time to activate their SIM card in their primary phone during the seven-day cooldown period before any scammer tries to misuse the MNP system.
Users who have not replaced their physical SIM are free to port their number to any other operator without waiting. However, it is important to note that users can port their number only once in 90 days. Once you switch your operator, you must wait 90 days before you can switch to a new service provider.
