The first step involved with this porting of the mobile phone numbers between different service operators requires one to send a formatted message to a designated number. This can be done by typing "PORT <mobile number>" without the quotes and send it to 1900. Here, simply replace the 'mobile number' with the actual number which you would like to retain using this service. Eg. SMS "PORT 9898989898" to 1900.

After sending the said text message to the predefined number, you will receive an automated acknowledgement message which will contain a code in It. This code is known as the Unique Porting Code(UPC) and is composed of some alphanumeric details of the operator name, telecom circle and an unique identification number.

On receiving the unique porting code, you will need to fill up a customer acquisition form available with the desired recipient operator. This application form must include the porting number you have received via SMS and should be submitted by enclosing the required documents with it and also by paying the porting charge as applicable.

Now after submitting the application form to the recipient operator, it will in turn verify the records and forward the porting request to the Mobile Number Portability Service Provider. The service provider will then check their database for the records concerning the porting request and would analyse if it is in accordance with the rules and regulations in place. If every thing is fine, it will then communicate with the Donor Operator and seek their clearance.

The Donor Operator shall now check the report of the Mobile Number Portability Service Provider and act accordingly to verify the porting request. It will look for various records like any outstanding dues associated with the said mobile number. If all the records are clear and has no obligations from all directions, it will respond to the service provider within 24 hours and inform them whether the said porting request is legit to be approved or else liable to be rejected.

The MNP Service Provider than shall act accordingly to approve or reject the porting request. Usually the timeline of the approval or rejection is fixed to be within 36 hours, but in some of the exceptional cases of licensed service areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and North East the duration for porting may be extended to upto 10 days. The exact date and time of porting shall be informed to the mobile subscriber by the MNP Service Provider by SMS.

On the date mentioned by the Mobile Number Portability Service Provider, you have to switch the SIM Cards of the new mobile operator and remove the old one. This is to ensure that the said number is not in use with two networks. After around a couple of hours, the new operator SIM Card will be activated and you will be able to use it for further communication.