New Mobile Number Portability rules to come into effect from Monday. Here's what it means for you

In a significant move aimed at enhancing telecom security, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced amendments to the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) regulations. Effective July 1, 2024, the new rules mandate a seven-day waiting period for issuing Unique Porting Codes (UPCs).

What is the new MNP policy?

The amendment seeks to tackle rising incidents of SIM swap fraud, a technique where fraudsters fraudulently obtain a new SIM card for a victim's number to intercept calls and messages, often leading to data and financial theft.

Under the revised regulations, TRAI introduces stricter criteria for issuing UPCs. Notably, a UPC will now be denied if requested within seven days of a SIM swap or replacement. This delay aims to deter scammers from illegitimately porting numbers and enhances security in the MNP process.

Why TRAI has changed MNP policy

Explaining the rationale behind the amendment, TRAI emphasizes its commitment to protecting mobile users from fraud. By imposing a mandatory waiting period post-SIM swap, the regulatory body aims to instill confidence in the MNP system, ensuring that only genuine requests are processed.

Mobile Number Portability enables users to switch telecom operators without changing their phone numbers. The process hinges on the Unique Porting Code, essential for transferring numbers between networks or during SIM replacements.

How New MNC Policy Will Prevent Frauds

The introduction of these amendments marks a proactive step by TRAI to safeguard consumer interests amidst evolving telecom challenges. By delaying UPC issuance post-SIM swap, TRAI aims to fortify the security framework, thwarting unauthorized porting attempts and preserving mobile number integrity. The UPC, assigned to users upon their MNP request, is crucial for transferring phone numbers between telecom providers or during SIM replacements. This delay acts as a significant deterrent, necessitating legitimate users to wait, thereby reducing unauthorized porting attempts and protecting mobile numbers from potential misuse and theft.