Frequently Asked Questions: Q1. What Is Mobile Number Portability?
Frequently Asked Questions: Q1. What Is Mobile Number Portability?
post-paid plan with the new Mobile Service Provider. Subscriber who simply requires change
in Plan from Post paid to pre-paid and vice versa can do so in BSNL without the process of
porting. Porting process is involved only when subscriber desires to change his operator.
Q6. Can I port my number if I am on a CDMA service?
A6. Yes, any CDMA / GSM or 3G customers can request for a port to any technology with
the new Mobile Service Provider, provided he meets the eligibility conditions stated in para 4
above.
Q7. What do you need to consider carefully before you port?
(a) Check if you meet the eligibility conditions stated in para 4 above.
(b) If you have any overdue bills or have existing contracts with your current Mobile Service
Provider, the current Mobile Service Provider will reject your porting request forwarded by
the new Mobile Service Provider. In such a case, you will not get refund of the
administrative porting fees. Kindly ensure that you do not have any bills overdue and you
fulfil the exit clause with the existing service provider. Contracts still in place with the new
Mobile Service Provider
(c) For pre-paid users, you need to know that all existing credit (Talk value and validity) will
expire upon porting and not be carried to the new Mobile Service Provider. Therefore, you
are encouraged to plan accordingly.
(d) You need to understand that the services, SMS / MMS coverage (i.e. networks to which
one can send SMS / MMS), Value Added Services, coverage area (i.e. places where one can
log on to the mobile network), call charges and packages offered by the new Mobile Service
Provider may differ from your current Mobile Service Provider.
(e) Choose wisely the timing of the change. Are you planning to travel outside the LSA /
abroad during the porting process? There may be an impact on roaming if you travel during
the porting process.
Q8. How can I port to a new Mobile Service Provider?
A8. The salient steps involved are as follows :(i) You will have to go to the new Mobile Service Providers Service Centre or Authorised
Dealer to request for porting of your mobile number. Fill in a Service Registration Form and
pay the porting fees for processing. (Presently BSNL is not charging any fees for porting into
BSNL.)
(ii) The Recipient Operator shall ask the subscriber to send a SMS to Donor Operator to
request for UPC (Unique Porting Code) using short code 1900 from the mobile number
which is sought to be ported.
(iii) The SMS text for requesting UPC by a subscriber shall be the word PORT followed by a
space followed by the ten digit mobile number which is to be ported which shall be case
insensitive. (i.e. it can be port or Port etc.) (eg PORT XXXXXXXXXX and send it to 1900)
(iv) Upon receipt of the SMS, the Donor operator shall forthwith send back a reply SMS
containing a unique porting code through an automated system. Subscriber will fill the UPC
Q15. Do I get a new SIM card when I change my Mobile Service Provider?
A15. Yes, the new Mobile Service Provider will give you a new SIM card.
Q16. Do I need to cancel my existing services before I port to a new Mobile
Service Provider?
A16. No, you do not have to cancel your existing services. Your existing services with the
current Mobile Service Provider will automatically be terminated once you have successfully
ported to the new Mobile Service Provider.
Q17. Will I still enjoy the same Services during the porting process?
A17. Yes, you will still enjoy the same Services, except for International Roaming Services,
which your current Mobile Service Provider may suspend upon your porting request.
Q18. After porting, will I enjoy the same services from the new Mobile Service
Provider?
A18. No, you can only port your number and not services.. You must re-register for all the
value-added services (VAS) that you want to subscribe to with the new Mobile Service
Provider. You need to know that the new Mobile Service Provider is not obligated to provide
identical services.
Q19. What should I do, if I have taken a connection under Handset bundling
scheme?
A19. You have 2 options:
Option 1 : To continue with your existing Mobile Service Provider until your contract expires,
then only request for port.
Option 2 : Cancel your existing contract after complying with the exit clause in the contract
for its premature termination and then apply for porting.
Q20. Can my request be rejected by my current Mobile Service Provider?
A20. Yes, if you do not meet the eligibility criteria for porting.