The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new regulations aimed at curbing fraudulent SIM replacements, effective from today, July 1. Announced on March 14, these guidelines require mobile phone users to observe a mandatory waiting period before switching network providers after replacing a lost, damaged, or stolen SIM card.
Key Highlights of the New TRAI Guidelines
Under the new rules, users must now wait seven days after obtaining a replacement SIM card before they can switch network providers. This initiative, part of the Ninth Amendment to the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Regulations of 2009, is designed to prevent fraudulent SIM swaps and unauthorized porting of mobile numbers.
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) allows users to retain their unique mobile numbers while changing telecom service providers. However, to address security concerns, TRAI’s latest regulations impose stricter controls on the issuance of unique porting codes (UPC) immediately following a SIM replacement.
Measures to Prevent Fraudulent SIM Swaps
TRAI defines a SIM swap as the process where an existing subscriber acquires a new SIM card to replace a lost or malfunctioning one. The updated guidelines mandate that telecom providers must not issue a UPC within the first seven days after a SIM swap or replacement. This measure aims to prevent unauthorized individuals from fraudulently porting a number soon after obtaining a new SIM.
The new criteria for rejecting UPC issuance include:
- The mobile number has been ported within the last 90 days.
- A porting request for the same number is already in process.
- A UPC has already been issued and has not expired.
If any of these conditions are met, the telecom provider must inform the subscriber of the rejection via SMS, as stipulated by TRAI.
Collaborative Efforts and Implementation
The new regulations were developed following recommendations from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). TRAI engaged with various stakeholders and conducted thorough analyses before finalizing the amendments. These collaborative efforts underscore TRAI’s commitment to enhancing mobile number security and preventing fraudulent activities within the telecom sector.
With the implementation of these guidelines, TRAI aims to bolster the security of mobile users and ensure a more secure process for SIM replacements and network provider switches.
