Mobile users can switch between postpaid and prepaid faster as DoT cuts cooling-off period

Mobile users can switch between postpaid and prepaid faster as DoT cuts cooling-off period

In a relief for mobile subscribers, India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has simplified the process of switching between prepaid and postpaid mobile connections and vice versa using the OTP-based (One Time Password) process.

The move is expected to bring added convenience for millions of mobile users who frequently switch between prepaid and postpaid plans depending on their evolving usage patterns.

As per the latest directive issued on June 10, 2025, the mandatory cooling-off period for reconversion has been reduced by the telecom department.

Earlier, subscribers were required to wait for 90 days before they could switch again after converting from prepaid to postpaid or vice versa. Now, for the first reconversion, this period has been slashed to just 30 days.

However, for any subsequent OTP-based conversions by the same subscriber, the earlier 90-day lock-in will continue to apply. The updated guidelines make it clear that subscribers must be informed of this lock-in period at the time of initiating each conversion.

The DoT has also kept flexibility for subscribers who wish to reconvert even during these lock-in periods. They can do so by visiting authorized outlets or Points of Sale (PoS) and completing the existing KYC (Know Your Customer) process.

While these changes make the switching process more consumer-friendly, all other security and regulatory conditions will remain unchanged.