TRAI introduces new mobile number portability rules to curb SIM swap fraud

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced changes to its Mobile Number Portability (MNP) regulations to curb SIM swap and exchange frauds from July 1.

According to a statement by the regulator on March 14, TRAI has issued the Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability (Ninth Amendment) Regulations, 2024, which will come into effect from July 1.

TRAI defines SIM replacement or replacement as the process of obtaining a new SIM card to replace the one lost or malfunctioning by the existing subscriber.

As per TRAI rules, users can avail the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service, which allows them to retain their mobile number in case they change their service provider within the country.

The Mobile Number Portability Regulations 2009 have already been amended eight times to streamline the MNP process.

TRAI has also introduced a new criterion for rejecting applications for Unique Porting Code (UPC) through these amendments. It states that UPC should not be allotted if the application is made within seven days of SIM replacement or swap. This reduces the previous waiting period from ten days.

In a clarification, TRAI mentioned that while some stakeholders supported a 10-day waiting period after swapping or replacing a SIM card, others argued for a shorter period of two to four days. They cited potential inconvenience to subscribers in urgent porting situations.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Office stated that the purpose of these changes is to prevent fraud related to the porting of mobile phone numbers through unfair substitutions or exchanges of SIM cards.