Scenario: a subscriber with a prized 10-year-old number wants a better plan at another carrier but fears “losing the number”. Mobile number portability (MNP) allows switching carriers while keeping the number — but not instantly on demand, and the old carrier may not retain subscribers “at any cost”.
MNP: the subscriber’s right
MNP is governed by Circular 35/2017/TT-BTTTT. The core principle: subscribers may port and keep their number; the donor carrier must not obstruct or create difficulties; the recipient carrier must accept and activate service. This protects consumer choice and pushes carriers to compete on quality rather than “locking” customers via phone numbers.
Porting conditions: 3 common ones
- Verified true identity: the subscription must be properly registered (Decree 163/2024/ND-CP). Junk or mismatched records cannot port.
- No outstanding bills: postpaid subscribers must clear all charges with no billing disputes at the donor.
- Minimum tenure and other conditions under Circular 35/2017 and carrier policies (e.g., not within a promotional-plan commitment period).
Carrier duties: no unlawful retention
Donor carriers must: verify subscriber information, process within set timelines, not refuse on unjustified grounds, and not retain via administrative obstacles or forced new commitments. Recipient carriers must ensure service quality and clear plan information. MNP-duty violations draw administrative penalties under Decree 15/2020/ND-CP (amended 2022).
The practical porting flow
Register porting with the recipient carrier (in person or online) → recipient coordinates with donor and the national porting center to verify eligibility → port executed, number kept → service with the new carrier. Brief service interruption may occur — prepare for number-tied services (banking, OTP, VNeID).
Frequently asked questions
1. Do I lose my number when porting?
No. MNP lets you switch carriers while keeping the number under Circular 35/2017/TT-BTTTT.
2. What are the porting conditions?
Verified true identity; no outstanding postpaid bills; minimum tenure met and no active promotional-plan commitment.
3. Can the old carrier refuse porting?
Not on unjustified grounds or via administrative obstacles to retain you. Unlawful refusal is administratively punishable.
4. How long does porting take; is service interrupted?
Processing follows regulatory timelines and inter-carrier coordination; brief interruption may occur. Secure number-tied services (bank OTP, VNeID) in advance.
5. Can I port back again?
Yes, subject to conditions anew (minimum tenure at the new carrier). Repeated promotional porting may be restricted under anti-gaming policies.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council.
