Nigerians travelling abroad can now finally retain their MTN, Glo and 9Mobile phone numbers wherever they leave the country.
Based on the operation of Telecommunication companies in Nigeria, a number left unused after a long period of time is usually extended to another user.
By implication, many Nigerians have been made to forgo their numbers after leaving Nigeria even in cases when the users still want to retain the numbers.
Stated below are means through which you can retain your number of MTN
You can now keep your MTN phone number even if you leave the country or become inactive for longer than 180 days thanks to MTN Keep My Number. Every MTN Prepaid subscriber has access to the MTN KMN service.
This feature ensures that your phone number is active for you no matter how long you will be abroad and prevents your MTN number from being cancelled or reissued.
Steps to register your MTN SIM with the Keep My Number initiative:
It costs ₦511, ₦819, and ₦1228 to subscribe to between 1-3 years respectively.
So recharge your MTN Line based on the number of years you want to subscribe.
For a 1-year subscription, dial *365*1# or SMS “KMN1” to 36500.
For a 2-year subscription, dial *365*2# or SMS “KMN2” to 36500.
For a 3-year subscription, dial *365*3# or SMS “KMN3” to 36500.
Your KMN number will be active for one, two, or three years after MTN has confirmed your payment, depending on your subscription. And that’s how to keep your MTN SIM number when you leave it docile for a long time without fear of deactivation or reissuance.
Retaining your Glo SIM number
The Glo ALWAYS ON plan ensures that you keep your SIM number even if you go an entire year without sending or receiving any texts, calls, or using the internet.
When you know you’ll be gone and without access to touchpoints for more than 90 days while traveling, you should sign up for ALWAYS ON.
Everyone who uses a prepaid plan from Glo has access to Glo ALWAYS ON. You only need to dial *777# and choose ALWAYS ON from the available options. To finish the procedure, adhere to the prompt.
500 will be deducted as a one-time fee for the ALWAYS ON package from your main account balance. The duration of the plan is 365 days as well. If your absence continues for a longer period of time, you may then choose to renew your subscription.
Retaining your 9Mobile number
If you are a 9Mobile subscriber planning to travel abroad and do not want your phone number deactivated or reissued to someone else, the 9Mobile Extended SIM Validity is available to you.
This service is available to both new and existing prepaid and postpaid 9Mobile subscribers.
It costs $500 to keep your SIM card number for a year. SIMply dial *539*1# or text 1 to 539 to subscribe once you’ve recharged up to that amount. Then, dial *539# to check the success status.
If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time but don’t want to give up your MTN, Glo, or 9Mobile SIM card number, you can do so in a few simple ways. Especially if sensitive information, such as financial details, are connected to the number, you should make sure it gets done. Please be aware that even if your phone number is tied to your NIN, the latter can still be deactivated and reissued after an inactive period.