The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new rules regarding Mobile Number Portability (MNP) to prevent SIM swap fraud.
These changes will come into effect on July 1, 2024, and are aimed at enhancing the security of mobile users.
Key Changes in the SIM Card Portability Rules
1. Waiting Period for New SIM Cards:
If your SIM card is stolen or damaged, you will now need to wait for 7 days to get a new SIM card. This is an increase from the immediate replacement process that was previously in place.
This waiting period is designed to prevent unauthorized activation of stolen SIM cards and reduce fraudulent activities.
2. Restrictions on Recent SIM Swaps:
If you have recently swapped your SIM card, you will not be able to port your mobile number immediately.
You will have to wait for 7 days after a SIM swap before you can port your number to a different carrier.
Purpose of the New Rules
The decision to implement these changes was driven by the need to curb incidents of fraud.
In many cases, stolen SIM cards were being activated on new devices and used for fraudulent activities.
By increasing the waiting period and adding restrictions on recent SIM swaps,
TRAI aims to prevent such occurrences and protect mobile users from scams.
Impact on Users
Mobile users from major telecom providers such as Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Reliance Jio will need to be aware of these new rules.
The extended waiting period for new SIM cards and the delay in porting numbers will require users to plan accordingly, especially if they face issues with their SIM cards.
