New Delhi: In response to rising mobile phone fraud, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced a mandatory seven-day waiting period for mobile number portability (MNP) following a SIM swap or replacement. This regulation will be effective from July 1, 2024, and aims to prevent fraudulent activities related to SIM card tampering.
According to TRAI, SIM swap or replacement is the process by which an existing subscriber acquires a new SIM card to replace a lost or corrupted one.
TRAI regulations also permit users to opt for Mobile Number Portability (MNP), a service that enables them to keep their mobile number while switching from one service provider to another within the country.
Previously, there was a 10-day waiting period after a SIM swap. However, this duration has been shortened to seven days as per the recent update to the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (Ninth Amendment) Regulations, 2024.
“The amended regulations are aimed at curbing the porting of mobile numbers by way of fraudulent SIM swaps or replacement by unscrupulous elements,” stated TRAI.
The regulator explained that the new rule introduces an additional criterion for rejecting requests for a Unique Porting Code (UPC), essential for MNP.
“Specifically, a UPC shall not be allocated if the request for the UPC has been made before the expiry of seven days from the date of the SIM swap/replacement,” TRAI clarified.
The decision came after consultations with multiple stakeholders. While there were arguments to keep the 10-day waiting period, some proposed a shorter span of two to four days to prevent inconvenience to subscribers in urgent scenarios. In the end, TRAI found a middle ground between ensuring security and facilitating user convenience.
“The authority has decided to keep a waiting period of seven days after the SIM swap or replacement for a mobile number to become eligible for porting,” affirmed the regulator.
