The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced changes to the process of replacing or swapping a SIM card. The new regulations aim to strike a balance between user convenience and preventing fraud.
The good news for users is that the waiting period for a new SIM card has been reduced from 10 days to 7 days. This will be a welcome change for those who need a replacement SIM card quickly, perhaps due to a lost or damaged phone.
However, there’s a new restriction to consider. If you’ve recently replaced your SIM card within the last 7 days, you won’t be able to get a Unique Porting Code (UPC) right away.
A UPC is necessary if you want to switch service providers while keeping your phone number. This new rule is designed to make it more difficult for criminals to carry out “SIM swap fraud,” where they take over a victim’s phone number for malicious purposes.
So, what does this mean for you?
If you need to replace a lost or damaged SIM card, you’ll have to wait 7 days before you can switch to a different service provider. It’s important to plan ahead if you’re considering switching providers. Make sure it’s been at least 7 days since your last SIM replacement before you initiate the mobile number portability process.
Overall, the new TRAI rules offer a faster SIM replacement process while introducing a safeguard against fraudulent porting. While the wait might be a slight inconvenience for users planning an immediate switch, the focus on security is a positive step in the long run.
TRAI is interested in public feedback on these changes. Let us know in the comments below: Is the trade-off between speed and security a fair one?
