- Mobile Phone Number Porting
- Mobile Number Porting – Etisalat and Du
- Mobile Number Porting – Virgin Mobile
- FAQs
Mobile numbers portability offers flexibility to consumers. Users can pick a plan of their choosing without going through the hassle of acquiring and subsequently sharing that new number with friends and family. Mobile phone number porting in the UAE was introduced in 2013. So if you prefer one service provider’s internet plan or lower international calling rates, the process of transition whilst keeping the same mobile number is relatively straightforward. Let’s take a look.
MOBILE PHONE NUMBER PORTING IN THE UAE
The basic idea of mobile porting is to enhance customer welfare and give more power to subscribers. 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 levels. Mobile phone number porting in the UAE empowers mobile users in the country and breaks these shackles.
WHAT IS MOBILE PORTABILITY?
The unique number you get when you first buy a SIM becomes an essential personal detail used in many aspects of your life. You’ve likely distributed it to friends and family, to the HR department at your place of work, and even added it to your CV. Those factors, combined with many others, render the thought of starting over with a new number to be a daunting prospect. This is why most people prefer sticking with their original numbers, even when the another service provider is clearly offering a better deal.
To get around this problem, mobile phone number porting in the UAE was introduced in 2013. Now with porting you can change your service provider without having to change your original number.
For example, if you have an Etisalat SIM (050-1111111) and want to switch to Du, you can do that whilst still keeping the Etisalat number.
If you have made your mind to change your service provider, here is how you can go about it.
THE PROCESS OF MOBILE NUMBER PORTING
Etisalat, Du and Virgin Mobile are three major mobile service providers in the UAE. The trio have all taken concrete steps to make mobile phone number porting in the UAE simpler for all users.
In case you want to switch to either Etisalat or Du whilst keeping the same number, you will have to visit an authorised branch in the city.
When you visit any of the Etisalat offices across Dubai or Du office, you will be offered different pre and postpaid plans. Whichever package you select, you will retain your existing number.
In case you opt for a prepaid plan, all you would need is your valid Emirates ID. Whereas, you will need one of the following documents along with the Emirates ID to switch to a post-paid plan:
- Salary Certificate Stamped (AED 2,500 minimum salary)
- Last three months’ bank statement
- Previous month utility bill with the address
- Vehicle Registration
- Tenancy/House ownership contract
- Ministry of Labour contract (AED 2,500 minimum salary)
If your plan includes getting a device from the new service provider along with the SIM, the salary requirement goes up to AED 4,000. Of course, all the last service provider’s dues have to be cleared before you can start with your new mobile plan.
Upon selection of a postpaid plan, you will be asked to choose one of the two payment options:
- Upfront payment of AED 1,000 to cover your monthly bill.
- Register an auto-pay credit card with a validity of 6 months minimum. The first month’s payment will be deducted immediately, while automatic deductions will be made on the 15th of every month.
Also, you will be requested to fill in and sign the application form before the new SIM is handed over. It is a straight forward process that will enable you to retain your existing number while switching to the service provider of your choice.
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.
- Tap on “My Numbers” and then “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 passport with 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. While the transfer process takes 72 hours, the SIM delivered will have a temporary number that you can use during that period. During this time, you are required to keep the temporary number and your original number active. Once your number has been ported, the temporary number becomes invalid.
FAQS
HOW MUCH WILL I BE CHARGED FOR MOBILE PHONE NUMBER PORTING IN THE UAE?
Mobile phone number porting in the UAE is free of charge.
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, you have to pay the termination fee as specified in the contract. Typically, it amounts to one month’s charges.
WHAT HAPPENS TO CREDIT BALANCE OF THE OLD SIM IN CASE OF A SWITCH?
It is advisable that you use up all your credit before putting in a porting request. All unused credit, internet data and calling minutes will be lost during this process. Simply check 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 72-hours of the transfer. If you fail to do so, you will have to wait for a month, before submitting another porting request.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Any information stored on your SIM (typically contacts) will be lost during the porting process. 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 fairly straightforward so if you have a particular package in mind, you can switch to a new network in no time. All prepaid users just need to submit their Emirates ID. If you are new to the emirate, here is how you can get a new SIM in Dubai. In case you get an Etisalat sim, the Etisalat online sim registration process will come in handy.
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