Mobile Number Portability (MNP) has been in the air since quite some time and it is now scheduled to come into effect in India from 20 January 2011. Mobile users can now retain their mobile number while switching over to another mobile network operator. This is a relief to cellphone users who would have to inform all their contacts if they changed their mobile service provider.

Changing over is a simple enough process and all one has to do is follow these simple steps.

1. From your cell phone send an SMS PORT to 1900. You will soon receive a unique 8 digit Unique Porting Code (UPC) in your inbox. 
2. This UPC expires in 15 days so visit your network operator and hand in your identification card, address proof, color photo and the UPC code you have received along with a fee of Rs. 19.
3. Then you will receive a new MNP SIM card.

It should take only 5 days or so to change your existing mobile number to another operator. During this process your old SIM or even the new SIM will not function for 2 hours. It is mandatory for the user to continue with the new change for 90 days before making an application to change over to another network operator.For the cell phone users who have problems with network connectivity, this will be a much awaited and welcome blessing.