The telecom regulator is proposing some changes in the rules for switching your mobile number to help stop SIM swap fraud.
They’ve put out a notice on Wednesday, asking for input from users about these rule changes for switching your phone number.
You can share your thoughts until October 25, 2023.
With the new rules from TRAI, phone companies must be extra careful when you want to change your phone service from one company to another.
They also have to make sure that the phone number you want to switch to a new service hasn’t asked for a new SIM card or a replacement within the last 10 days.
If they find this, they won’t let you change to the new service.
TRAI asked people some questions to switch their phone numbers
TRAI has given a list of questions you need to answer before changing your phone service.
They want to know if you have a special code called a Unique Porting Code (UPC) for your mobile number, and if your SIM card has been changed, replaced, or upgraded. They want detailed answers and reasons for this.
Meanwhile, the phone company must give the personal information of the person who wants to switch phone services to the new phone company.
The new company will check if this information matches what you gave them.
If there’s a mistake, they won’t let you switch your number.
Why are they making this change?
The Department of Telecommunications wants to stop SIM card swapping, cheating, and fraud with these changes.
TRAI mentioned, ‘The Department of Telecommunications’ proposal was talked about in a meeting with phone companies and number transfer service providers at TRAI in New Delhi on May 22, 2023.
