In a move to enhance customer convenience, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has revised guidelines to simplify the process of switching between prepaid and postpaid mobile connections. As per the directive issued on June 10, 2025, users can now switch plans more easily using a One-Time Password (OTP) and benefit from a reduced cooling-off period.
Key Change: Shorter Cooling-Off Period
Under the new rules, the mandatory waiting period between switching plans has been shortened. For the first reconversion, subscribers can now switch back after just 30 days, down from the previous 90-day requirement. However, for any subsequent OTP-based switches, the original 90-day lock-in period will still apply.
The DoT has made it mandatory for telecom operators to clearly inform subscribers about the applicable lock-in period before each conversion to maintain transparency and prevent misuse. “A subscriber may now be allowed to re-convert after 30 days from the date of first conversion… however, subsequent conversions via OTP will follow the 90-day period,” the Ministry of Communications stated on social platform X.
📱 Switching between Prepaid ↔️ Postpaid got easier through OTP!
— DoT India (@DoT_India) June 12, 2025
⏱️ Cooling-off period for first-time reconversion reduced from 90 days to 30 days.
🔁 Need to switch sooner? Use KYC at PoS or authorized outlets! pic.twitter.com/kWbPcGsanZ
Physical KYC Option for Early Reconversion
To maintain flexibility, the DoT has also allowed users to reconvert during the lock-in period by undergoing physical verification. Customers can visit authorised Points of Sale (PoS) and complete the standard Know Your Customer (KYC) process if they wish to switch plans earlier than the 30 or 90-day limit.
The DoT emphasized that security and compliance protocols will remain unchanged despite the relaxed rules, ensuring the integrity of subscriber data and telecom operations.
