To combat the rise in mobile phone fraud, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced a mandatory seven-day waiting period for mobile number portability (MNP) following a SIM swap or replacement. This new regulation, effective July 1, 2024, aims to curb fraudulent activities involving SIM card manipulation.
Press Release No. 35/2024 regarding Press Release on implementation of the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (Ninth Amendment) Regulations, 2024 w.e.f. 00:00:00 hours of 01.07.2024https://t.co/x2AEuwjne0
— TRAI (@TRAI) June 28, 2024
Previously, a 10-day waiting period was required after a SIM swap, but TRAI has now reduced it to seven days in the latest amendment 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 replacements 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), which is 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.
This decision follows deliberations with various stakeholders. While some advocated for maintaining the 10-day waiting period, others suggested a shorter duration of two to four days to avoid inconveniencing subscribers in urgent situations. Ultimately, TRAI struck a balance between security and 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.
