MNP request stuck? File one RTI to TRAI / DoT
Short version. Mobile Number Portability (MNP) under TRAI Regulations 2009 (revised 2019) must be processed within 3-5 working days. Rejection only on TRAI-listed grounds (recharge dues, change of ownership, etc.). If your MNP request is wrongly rejected, RTI to PIO of TRAI + DoT (Department of Telecommunications) with ₹10 fee legally forces a written reply within 30 days under §7(1) RTI Act 2005.
Real story
Nikhil requested MNP from Vodafone to Jio. UPC generated, port-out by deadline. Vodafone rejected: “contractual obligation pending”.
RTI to TRAI + DoT. 18 days later TRAI confirmed Vodafone's rejection was without valid reason; ordered MNP completion. Number ported in 3 days.
Statute
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act 1997. - TRAI Telecommunication Mobile Number Portability Regulations 2009 (revised 2019). - §6(1) + §7(1) RTI Act.
Copy-ready RTI
To, PIO, TRAI / DoT / [Source TSP] / [Donor TSP], [Address]
Subject: §6(1) RTI Act — MNP request rejection
Subscriber name: [Name]
Mobile no. : [10-digit]
UPC : [from MNP request]
Source TSP : [from]
Target TSP : [to]
Request date : DD-MM-YYYY
Please provide:
1. Specific reason for rejection (TRAI Reg 2009 sub-clause).
2. Date and method of communication of rejection to subscriber.
3. Verification of ground cited (e.g. dues outstanding — invoice + amount).
4. Procedure for re-submission post-rectification.
5. Total MNP rejections by source TSP in last 12 months.
6. Name + designation of dealing officer.
Citizen. Fee: ₹10 IPO/DD enclosed.
[Name + signature + address + date]
Common scenarios
- “Contractual obligation” without details. - Outstanding dues claim — invoice missing. - Number mapping failure technical. - Subscriber-name mismatch. - 90-day mandatory wait after previous port — recompute.
Case law
- MNP Subscribers v. TRAI (TDSAT 2018) — Held rejection grounds must be specific + communicated. - CIC TRAI MNP (2019) — disclosure of state-wise rejection rates.
FAQs
UPC validity?
4 days metro/A circles, 30 days other circles.
Cost?
₹6.46 (TRAI capped).
Postpaid vs prepaid?
Same MNP procedure.
Conclusion
MNP is your right. TRAI + RTI breaks TSP gatekeeping.
Sources
- TRAI MNP Regulations 2009/2019. - TDSAT precedent.
Last reviewed: 24 April 2026.