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- Dubai 04:25 05:43 12:19 15:46 18:50 20:09
Is Mobile Number Portability (MNP) really free in UAE?
Although the marketing material of service providers doesn’t mention any fee, those migrating from etisalat to du should note that the latter is charging an activation fee.
Mobile Number Portability in the UAE has gone ‘live’ since yesterday (December 30, 2013), and du says it will charge Dh55 and Dh125 to prepaid and postpaid customers, respectively, as activation fee for migrating their services from etisalat.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in the UAE initiated the process allowing both etisalat and du to launch the MNP service starting from Sunday, December 22, 2013.
The actual transfer for subscribers became effective since the morning of December 30.
While mobile operators continue to insist that the MNP service is free, du maintains it is charging the activation fee.
Etisalat on the other hand pointed out that customers shifting from du can go ahead and use their service without any additional fee.
For those wanting to move but have still not initiated the process, here is what you need to do:
If you are an etisalat customer wanting to shift to du, please note that it is better to directly visit one of the 51 du shops or select authorised partner outlets of Axiom, E-Max, Eros Digital Home, Jacky’s and Jumbo.
Although you can register online (click here for the du online form), you will still have to visit the du shop in order to submit your documentation and collect the new SIM card.
On the other hand etisalat says you can register online (click here for the etisalat link), your new prepaid SIM card will be delivered to your door. Relevant documents will need to be presented at the time of delivery.
Here are the documents required for individual and enterprise customers:
Individual customers
UAE nationals: Valid UAE national ID or valid UAE passport
GCC nationals: Valid UAE or GCC national ID or valid GCC passport
Expats: Valid UAE national ID or valid foreign passport plus valid UAE visa or residence
Enterprise customers
Copy of current trade license
Valid establishment card
Power of attorney/letter of authorisation (if you are not the owner of the company)
Valid ID (in accordance with above)
Both telecom operators have introduced toll free numbers to help answer customer queries: du: 800242643 (800CHANGE) and Etisalat: 80099
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