Changing mobile operators while retaining your existing number is becoming an increasingly challenging task in Russia. Despite growing demand, only one in four number portability requests receives approval. According to data from the Telecom Research Center (NITs “Telekom”), operators frequently cite formal pretexts for rejections, while subscribers complain about unfavorable terms and unwanted services.
Why is it so Difficult to Port Numbers? An Expert`s View
Leonid Konik, CEO of Comnews Group, sheds light on the reasons behind this trend.
Operator Retention Strategies
The option for mobile number portability (MNP) has existed in Russia since 2014, though initially restricted to a single region. Given the high mobile penetration rate (around 150%, meaning an average of 1.5 phones per person), the only way for `Big Four` and virtual operators to attract new subscribers is by poaching them from competitors. Naturally, operators are reluctant to lose customers and exploit any loophole to either deny porting requests or to significantly prolong the process, thereby retaining subscribers within their network.
Procedural Obstacles
Beyond obvious reasons like number blocking or a negative balance, rejections often stem from procedural complexities. Historically, SIM cards could be easily purchased and registered to anyone. Many individuals still use numbers registered to parents or relatives. During the number transfer process, subscribers must prove ownership of the number. While such issues can usually be resolved in a day or two, Konik suggests that network operators intentionally drag out the process. This is supported by statistics: over the decade of MNP in Russia, the number of porting applications has consistently been about double the number of successfully transferred numbers.
Customer Motivations to Switch
The primary motivation for subscribers to switch operators is typically tariff policy. While network coverage was once a significant factor, people now primarily seek more advantageous offers, particularly from virtual operators. Another common reason is dishonest practices by operators who, without consent, connect paid services initially offered for free. Such actions erode customer trust and loyalty, acting as a powerful trigger for switching providers.
Porting Statistics and Reasons for Rejection
Data from NITs “Telekom” indicates that among the `Big Four` operators, Beeline (VimpelCom) faces the highest rejection rate for number porting at nearly 56%, followed by T2 (50%), MTS (45%), and MegaFon (40%).
The most frequently cited official reasons for rejection remain number blocking, a negative balance, and incorrect personal data.
The majority of number porting incidents occur in Moscow and the Moscow Region (over 530,000 cases), followed by Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad Region (187,000), and Krasnodar Krai (147,000).
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth