A guide on how to switch mobile networks in UAE
- About Mobile Phone Number Porting
- Switching to Etisalat
- How to Port Etisalat to Du
- Switching to Virgin Mobile
- FAQs
Want to switch your phone service provider? It’s easy to switch to any cellular network in the UAE. And guess what? You keep the same number, so none of your contacts will need to update it on their phones. Luckily, all three major telecom operators in the UAE offer portability facilities to their users that enable them to keep the same number no matter what service they use. Let’s find out more about mobile phone number porting.
PORTING YOUR MOBILE NUMBER IN THE UAE
Mobile phone number porting in the UAE was introduced in 2013. The basic idea of mobile porting is to enhance customer welfare and give subscribers more power. Often, when the cost of switching to a new network is high (either in terms of money or time), consumers have little choice but to stick with their current service provider regardless of their satisfaction level. But you can transfer your existing phone number to another provider in no time through porting.
What is Mobile Portability
You share your number with numerous people, including friends, family, colleagues and potential employers. This widespread distribution can make changing your number a significant undertaking. As a result, many people avoid switching service providers, even if a competitor offers better services.
However, with number porting, you can switch service providers without changing your original number. For instance, if you have an Etisalat SIM (050-111-1111) and want to switch to Du, you can do so while retaining your Etisalat number.
While porting your mobile number from one service provider to another is a free process, there are a few important factors to consider before making the switch.
If you’re currently on a contract plan, be aware of any early termination fees. As per the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), you may be required to pay a fee equivalent to one month’s service charge, regardless of the remaining contract duration.
Similarly, prepaid customers should aim to use up their remaining balance before porting their number to avoid the potential loss of unused credit during the transfer process.
If you’ve purchased a mobile device on a financing plan through your current provider, you must settle any outstanding payments before porting your number.
If you have decided to change your service provider, here is how to go about number portability in the UAE.
Number Portability in UAE – Switching to Etisalat
Etisalat, Du and Virgin Mobile are three major mobile service providers in the UAE. The trio have taken concrete steps to simplify mobile phone number porting in the UAE for all users.
But if you are wondering how to switch from du to Etisalat with the same number, here’s how you can do it:
Start by visiting any Etisalat stores in Dubai and seek assistance from a customer service representative. Or, you can manage the process online by:
- Visiting the e& website
- Clicking ‘Consumer’
- Scrolling down to the ‘How to Switch’ tab
- Clicking ‘Here’ to fill out the form
An e& representative will then contact you to provide guidance. Moreover, if you are switching from du to Etisalat, make sure to submit the following documents:
- Valid Emirates ID
- The following documents would be required in the case of a postpaid plan:
- Stamped salary certificate
- Vehicle licence
- Bank/online statement for three months
- Last month’s utility bill with address
- Tenancy/ownership contract
- Ministry of Labour contract
You can also reach out to Etisalat chat agents for assistance. Scroll down the website to the ‘Need help?’ section and click ‘Live Chat.’ Provide your details and type ‘How do I switch phone service to e& and retain my phone number.’
Please suspend your number with your current provider and settle all outstanding balances to ensure a smooth transition. A grace period will be provided to clear dues before activating your e& services.
How long does the whole porting process take? Your number will be ported to Etisalat within one business day. Once you submit your porting application, you’ll receive a new SIM card. After your number is successfully ported, replace your SIM card and restart your phone to activate your Etisalat service.
How to Switch Your Mobile Number to du
If you are thinking, ‘Can I change my Etisalat number to du,’ the answer is yes! You can visit a du shop or any of their authorised partner to complete the transaction.
But if you are wondering how to port Etisalat to du online, here are the steps you need to follow:
- Head over to the du website
- Look for the “Change number to du” option (it might be under an icon).
- Enter the mobile number you want to bring to du.
- Choose your preferred plan type: Prepaid or Postpaid.
- Browse Du’s monthly mobile power plans and select the one that suits you best.
Once you finish the online process, du will send you a pre-activated SIM card directly to your doorstep. When you receive your new SIM card, du will require your Emirates ID for verification. Double-check and enter your correct details like name, mobile number and delivery address during the online application.
Moreover, du will update you on your request status through SMS notifications. You can check the status anytime by calling their dedicated hotline: 800 CHANGE (800-242643).
The Porting Process to Virgin Mobile
The good news for those wanting to port to Virgin Mobile is that it can be done online. Download the Virgin Mobile app and follow these steps:
- Sign up on the Virgin Mobile app (Google Play | Apple Store).
- Tap “My Numbers” and “Bring Your Current Number From The Menu.”
- You will be asked to tick a box confirming you have a valid Emirates ID. Visitors can use their passports with a valid entry stamp.
- A new SIM card will be delivered to you on the same day.
The delivery service is only available in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The transfer process from Etisalat to Virgin Mobile takes 24 hours, while for Du to Virgin Mobile, it takes 48 hours.
During this time, a temporary SIM will be delivered to you. You are required to keep the temporary number and your original number active in this transition period. Once your number has been ported, the temporary number becomes invalid.
FAQs – Mobile Number Portability UAE
HOW MUCH WILL I BE CHARGED FOR MOBILE PHONE NUMBER PORTING IN THE UAE?
If you choose a prepaid plan with du, you only need to pay the regular activation fee. Postpaid plans with du are activation fee-free.
Switching to Etisalat and Virgin Mobile won’t cost you anything. However, if you opt for a postpaid plan with either provider, you may need to make an upfront payment depending on the specific plan.
CAN I SWITCH IF I HAVE AN EXISTING CONTRACT WITH MY SERVICE PROVIDER?
Yes, you can switch to a new network even if you have an existing contract with your service provider. However, as specified in the agreement, you must pay the termination fee (plus any other remaining dues). Typically, it amounts to one month’s charges.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BALANCE OF THE OLD SIM IN CASE OF A SWITCH?
It would be best if you used up all your credit before putting in a porting request. All unused credit, internet data and calling minutes will be lost during this process.
You can also transfer your Etisalat balance or Du balance to ensure you have used up all the remaining amount.
CAN I CANCEL MY PORTING REQUEST?
Yes, you can put in another request within 24 hours of the transfer.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Any information stored on your SIM (typically contacts) will be lost during porting. Make you transfer all contacts to your phone before switching networks.
This wraps up our guide to mobile phone number porting in the UAE. The process is pretty straightforward, so you can switch to a new network quickly if you have a particular package in mind.
If you are planning a move soon, read our guide to getting a new SIM in Dubai. If you want an Etisalat sim, read our Etisalat online sim registration process.
