The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the telecom industry regulator, has announced important changes to the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) regulations. As part of the new mobile number porting rules, TRAI has introduced a seven-day waiting period for issuing unique porting codes. Government authorities want to combat counterfeit SIM card substitution with new changes to MNP rules.
The Telecommunications Mobile Number Porting (Ninth Amendment) Regulations 2024, published on March 14, 2024, will come into force on July 1, 2024.
What are the biggest changes in the new MNP policy?
The MNP changes introduce additional criteria for denying Unique Port Code (UPC) assignment requests. This means that under the new regulations, a UPC (number) will not be assigned if requested within 7 days of a SIM card swap or exchange. The purpose of this action is to prevent fraudsters from using fake SIM card switching techniques to transfer mobile phone numbers.
The reason for the change in MNP policy
TRAI’s decision comes in the wake of increasing cases of SIM swapping scams, where fraudsters get a new SIM card that matches the victim’s phone number, allowing them to intercept calls and messages. By introducing a mandatory waiting period after SIM card replacement, the regulator intends to add an additional layer of security to the MNP process.
The implementation of these amended regulations underscores TRAI’s commitment to protect mobile phone users from fraud. This step is expected to increase the reliability of the MNP process by ensuring that only legitimate requests are processed.
What is mobile number portability?
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is a process provided by telecommunications service providers that allows users to switch to another operator in the event of problems or dissatisfaction with the service. The main advantage of this procedure is that users can keep their phone number even if they change providers.
How UPC delays prevent SIM switching fraud
The unique transmission code is the code assigned to the user after the MNP request. Users must provide this code to their new communications service provider to successfully port their phone number to the network. You can also change your SIM card through the same provider. This delay represents a significant hurdle by requiring authorized users to wait, preventing unauthorized porting attempts, and preventing misuse or theft of mobile phone numbers.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.