TRAI has issued a direction to all access service providers to ensure that all mobile subscribers, both prepaid and postpaid, can send SMS to short code 1900 for Mobile Number Portability (MNP). This follows complaints that some providers were restricting outgoing SMS facilities in certain prepaid vouchers, preventing users from generating a Unique Porting Code (UPC). The Authority deems this practice a contravention of MNP Regulations as it denies consumers their right to port their numbers. Providers are directed to enable this facility immediately, regardless of the tariff plan or voucher value. The SMS to 1900 must be treated as an ordinary SMS for charging purposes.

TRAI has issued a direction to all access service providers to ensure that all mobile subscribers, both prepaid and postpaid, can send SMS to short code 1900 for Mobile Number Portability (MNP). This follows complaints that some providers were restricting outgoing SMS facilities in certain prepaid vouchers, preventing users from generating a Unique Porting Code (UPC). The Authority deems this practice a contravention of MNP Regulations as it denies consumers their right to port their numbers. Providers are directed to enable this facility immediately, regardless of the tariff plan or voucher value. The SMS to 1900 must be treated as an ordinary SMS for charging purposes.