Now that mobile number portability has been enabled, many of us who are not happy with some issue or the other with our current operator seem to be under the impression that once we switch companies, everything will be hunky-dory.

We must keep in mind that almost all operators have similar problems, except may be, with connectivity or signal strength.

Moreover, many are still not fully aware of the mobile number portability process itself. What they feel is that once they send the SMS, it's all over. It isn't.

Once you send the SMS ‘Port' to 1900, you get a code with an expiry date. Now you need to contact the company to which you want to move, within the expiry date, with the usual documents, such as address and ID proof, and photographs. You will have to fill up a form with the code and other details. The central ‘clearing house' for portability will contact the old operator who will clear your request if there are no dues (if you are in post-paid). If you have a pre-paid and have some balance, you will lose it. So better talk your heart out to your friends and wipe out the balance.

You will now get a confirmation message from the new operator with the ‘porting' date mentioned. On the porting day, the service to your mobile will stop for a few hours any time from mid-night to 5 a.m. This should happen within four days from the day you get the message. You will be charged Rs 19 for the porting. Now, once the porting is confirmed, insert the new SIM. The process is over! Now, remember you can't say you don't like the new operator either. You will have to stay with the new operator for at least three months.

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