In a bid to combat the rising instances of SIM swap fraud across India, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced amendments to its regulations pertaining to SIM porting, commonly known as Mobile Number Portability (MNP). These changes are slated to take effect from July 1, 2024, with the primary objective of curbing fraudulent activities associated with SIM swaps.
Seven-day waiting period introduced
Effective July 1, users will be required to observe a mandatory waiting period of seven days following a SIM swap or replacement before they can initiate the process of porting their mobile number from one network to another. This delay is strategically implemented to mitigate the risk of fraudulent SIM swaps, thereby safeguarding users from unauthorized porting of their mobile numbers.
Regulatory response to concerns raised
The decision to introduce these regulatory amendments comes in response to mounting concerns raised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) regarding the escalating cases of fraudulent SIM swaps leading to unauthorized porting of mobile connections. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, TRAI has taken proactive measures to address these concerns and prioritize the interests of mobile phone users across the country.
Seamless transition to high-speed networks
Despite the introduction of the seven-day waiting period, users seeking to upgrade their SIM cards from 3G to 4G/5G networks will encounter no restrictions or delays in porting. This provision ensures a seamless transition to higher-speed networks without any waiting periods, offering users enhanced connectivity and improved mobile experiences.
TRAI’s revised regulations concerning SIM porting aim to bolster security measures and mitigate the risks associated with fraudulent SIM swaps, thereby fostering a safer mobile ecosystem for users nationwide. With these proactive steps, TRAI endeavors to instill confidence among mobile phone users while addressing the evolving challenges posed by fraudulent activities in the telecommunications sector. As the implementation date draws near, stakeholders are urged to familiarize themselves with the new regulations to ensure compliance and contribute to a secure mobile environment for all.
