When switching from your current carrier to a new one, your phone number will change, which can be inconvenient and hesitant for some people. However, the "MNP" system has become widespread, making it possible to switch carriers without changing your phone number.
So, this time, for those who are considering switching carriers using MNP, we will introduce the steps, advantages and disadvantages, and points to note when switching carriers using MNP.
MNP stands for "Mobile Number Portability," and is a system that allows you to keep your current phone number even if you change carriers. Before MNP was introduced, changing carriers meant changing your phone number as well. As a result, users who didn't want to change their phone number tended to avoid changing carriers, but with the launch of MNP in 2006, it became easier for users to change carriers.
The advantage of MNP is that you can continue to use your phone number even after changing carriers. However, there are many other benefits as well. Below we will introduce the benefits of using MNP.
The biggest advantage of MNP is that you don't have to notify your friends and acquaintances of your new phone number. Before MNP became popular, when you changed carriers, your phone number would also change, so you had to inform your friends and acquaintances of your new number.
Additionally, if you use your phone number to log in to apps or web services, you will also need to update or reset your login information. The launch of the MNP system means that you no longer have to go through the hassle of changing your phone number, which can be said to be a major benefit.
One of the benefits of MNP is that it allows you to easily switch carriers. Before MNP became popular, some users were hesitant to change carriers because it would mean changing their phone number. However, with the advent of MNP, it has become easy to choose the service that best suits your needs.
Another benefit of MNP is the possibility of taking advantage of MNP campaigns. Since MNP began, carriers have been actively running MNP campaigns.
Depending on the campaign, the terms may often be better than those for a new contract or a model change. When considering MNP, we recommend checking the latest campaign information on each company's website.
While MNP has its advantages, it also has some disadvantages. Understanding the disadvantages will help you avoid problems when using MNP. Below, we will introduce the disadvantages of MNP.
Normally, when you use MNP, you will no longer be able to use your previous carrier email address. However, if you use the "email portability service" offered by each company, you can continue to use your previous email address.
Most carriers fees 330 yen (tax included) per month for mail portability services, so this may be a disadvantage for those who find the monthly fees a burden.
Another disadvantage of MNP is that you may not be able to transfer your carrier's points. If you cancel your old carrier when switching with MNP, your points may expire.
Therefore, it is important to check whether you can continue to use your points before switching carriers using MNP. If you cannot continue to use your points, it is a good idea to use up all your points before canceling your contract. Each carrier handles points differently, so it is important to check in advance.
MNP is a convenient service for users, allowing them to switch carriers while keeping their current phone number. In order to achieve a smooth switch with MNP, several procedures are required. Below, we will introduce the procedures required for MNP.
The MNP reservation number is a 10-digit transfer code required when performing MNP. This number must be obtained from your current carrier and used when signing a contract with a new carrier.
The most common ways to obtain an MNP reservation number are to consult at a store, call a dedicated number, or apply through the website. If you are busy during the day and find it difficult to complete the procedure during store business hours or phone times, we recommend applying through the website. Also, once you have obtained your reservation number, be sure to make a note of the MNP reservation number and validity.
* Carriers that use the one-stop MNP method allow you to complete the procedure without issuing an MNP reservation number.
Once you have obtained your MNP reservation number, the next step is to complete the MNP transfer procedure with the carrier you are switching to. The window where you can complete the MNP transfer procedure will vary depending on the carrier. Some procedures are only available online, while others require you to make an appointment in person, so it is a good idea to check the carrier's website in advance.
In addition, to complete the MNP transfer procedure, you will need identification documents and a credit card to use for fees. Check the required documents on the website in advance and prepare them in advance.
If you apply through the website, your SIM card will arrive in a few days. Once the new SIM card arrives, insert it into your smartphone and set up the line switch.
Line switching is generally done by calling a dedicated number or through the carrier's website. The specific procedure varies depending on the carrier, so be sure to check the carrier's instructions. However, in some cases, if you do not switch your line within a certain validity, it will be automatically activated.
On the other hand, if you complete the MNP transfer procedure at a store, the store will handle the activation procedure and line setup. Once the line switch is complete, your contract with the new carrier will begin.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using MNP. It's important to understand these points beforehand to avoid any unexpected issues. Below we'll introduce some points to keep in mind when using MNP, such as contract fees and validity of reservation numbers.
As a result of the revised "Guidelines for the Implementation of Number Portability for Mobile Phones and PHS" announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as of April 1, 2021, fees for MNP transfers will be waived in principle. However, some carriers may incur additional fees, such as contract fees. We recommend checking each company's website in advance.
One thing to keep in mind is that MNP reservation numbers have validity date. MNP reservation numbers are validity for 15 days, including the date of issue. There is no penalty if validity, but considering the hassle of reissuing it, it is best to complete the procedure within the deadline.
Depending on the carrier, the number of days you can transfer via MNP may be shorter than 15 days. We recommend that you check the website of the carrier you are switching to before obtaining a reservation number and plan the procedure with ample time to spare.
When switching carriers with MNP, if you are also changing your phone model, you will need to transfer your data. MNP allows you to keep your phone number, but it does not transfer the data on your smartphone.
If you dispose of your old device without transferring your data, your photos, videos, etc. will be deleted and you will not be able to recover them. If you are changing your model at the same time as switching to a new device, be sure to transfer your data from your old device to your new one.
People who are considering switching carriers using MNP have a variety of questions. Below we have compiled some frequently asked questions and answers about MNP. Understanding the frequently asked questions in advance will help you switch carriers smoothly.
MNP can only be done in the contract holder's name. The name must match before and after switching carriers. For example, you cannot change a contract in your parent's name to your own name. If necessary, change the name before issuing the MNP reservation number.
If you cancel your contract and change carriers without using MNP, your contract with the new carrier will be treated as a new contract, and you will lose the phone number you have been using. Once you cancel, you cannot cancel it, so if you want to keep the phone number you have been using for many years, be sure to use MNP.
When your MNP reservation number validity, you will need to reissue it. There is no penalty for expiring, but it is a good idea to plan your schedule well in advance to avoid the hassle of reissuing the number.
MNP allows you to change carriers without changing your phone number, making it easier than ever to switch carriers. If you're switching carriers using MNP, we recommend au 's online-only brand, "povo2.0" *1.
With povo2.0, the basic fee is 0 yen (*2), and you can purchase and Topping the amount of data you need whenever you want to use it. The minimum data amount you can choose is 1GB (7 days) for 390 yen (tax included), and the maximum is 300GB (365 days) for 24,800 yen (tax included). You can freely customize your data plan to suit your needs, such as adding a large-capacity Topping when you need a lot of data, or using only the minimum Topping when you don't use much.
There are also a wide variety of paid Topping, such as "Unlimited data capacity (24 hours)" tax included 330 yen (*3) and Data Top-up 120GB (365 days) tax included 21,600 yen/time.
In addition, "povo2.0" is currently running a campaign where if you switch from another company to povo2.0 (MNP), link au ID to your povo account, and purchase eligible Topping within seven days of SIM activation, you will receive a refund of up to 10,000 yen (tax-exempt) to your au PAY balance.
*If you change from au / UQ mobile / povo1.0 to povo2.0, you will not be eligible for this campaign.
Campaign validity: December 15, 2023, 0:00 - April 30, 2025, 23:59
If you are interested in switching carriers using MNP, why not take this opportunity to switch to povo2.0?
