By News Desk 
Changing your mobile connection from prepaid to postpaid or postpaid to prepaid is now more convenient than ever. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has revised the rules to simplify the process, reducing the mandatory wait time for switching plans.
Previously, users had to wait 90 days before making another switch. Now, the DoT has trimmed this down to just 30 days for the first conversion, giving customers greater flexibility.
What’s the New Rule?
- After First Conversion: You can now switch your mobile connection type again just 30 days after your first conversion.
- Subsequent Conversions: For all changes after the first one, a 90-day gap is still required between each switch.
- Early Switch (Before 30 or 90 Days):
- You must complete a fresh KYC (Know Your Customer) process.
- The conversion must be done through an authorized customer service center or retail outlet.
The entire process is now OTP-based, making it faster and more secure. Users will also be informed about the lock-in period—the minimum time before another change can be made.
Why This Change Matters
This updated policy is especially beneficial for users who frequently change plans or networks based on their needs. The reduced wait time means that users no longer need to be locked into a plan for three months before switching again. This gives customers greater control and flexibility over their mobile services.
This move is part of the government’s efforts to enhance customer experience and make telecom services more adaptive to user demands.
Conversion Rules at a Glance
| Conversion Situation | Next Change Allowed After |
|---|---|
| First-time conversion (Prepaid ↔ Postpaid) | 30 days |
| Second conversion and beyond | 90 days |
| Early conversion (before 30/90 days) | Requires fresh KYC + Authorized Outlet |
Detailed Guidelines from the DoT (As of June 7, 2024)
- First-Time Switch
- If you’re switching from prepaid to postpaid (or vice versa) for the first time, the next switch can now be made after just 30 days (down from the earlier 90 days).
- Subsequent Switches
- After the first change, all future conversions require a 90-day gap.
- Early Conversion
- Need to switch plans before the mandatory period? You must:
- Complete fresh KYC verification.
- Visit an authorized customer service point (CSC/PoS) to complete the process.
- Need to switch plans before the mandatory period? You must:
- OTP-Based Process
- The entire procedure is now streamlined via OTP-based digital authentication, simplifying customer interaction and reducing paperwork.
- Lock-In Period Transparency
- Every time you change your plan, the telecom provider will clearly inform you of the lock-in period, so you’ll know when the next switch is permitted.
Conclusion
The DoT’s latest update is a significant improvement for mobile users in India. With quicker switching between prepaid and postpaid services, consumers now enjoy more freedom, convenience, and better service control. Whether you’re chasing better network performance or simply want a different plan, these changes mean you won’t be stuck waiting unnecessarily.