Mobile Number Recycling refers to the practice of reassigning mobile numbers that have been previously used and deactivated to new users. When a mobile subscriber discontinues their service, either voluntarily or due to reasons like non-payment, the mobile operator can recycle that specific number and allocate it to a different customer.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) imposes restrictions on the allocation of mobile numbers to each operator, permitting additional numbers only when an operator demonstrates high utilization and efficient recycling of deactivated numbers.
Mobile operators are therefore compelled to recycle mobile numbers because the mobile numbers are limited and subscribers are increasing every day.
SLTMobitel presently follows a number recycling policy that is approved by TRCSL.
Postpaid connections undergo recycling one year after being permanently disconnected. Permanent disconnection could be upon customer request or due to outstanding bill non-payment.
Account validity period determines the lifespan of a prepaid connection and the same can be extended by the validity of each recharge, up to a maximum of 365 days.Recycling of prepaid connections occurs only after 30 days being permanently disconnected.Upon recycling a number, SLTMobitel ensures that all customer-related information with SLTMobitel becomes inaccessible for the current new user.
This encompasses:
As a Mobile Operator, we advise you to follow certain mandatory steps when ceasing/Discontinuing the use of a mobile number.If your mobile number is registered for external services beyond SLTMobitel portfolio, it is advisable to contact such external service providers and request them to update your mobile number in their systems.
These external services encompass but not limited to the following:
It is your responsibility to sever all associations between the mobile number and personal profiles to prevent identity theft, account breaching, third-party access to personal information on external applications,
SLTMobitel holds no responsibility for any losses resulting from the user's failure to remove the mobile number from such third-party service providers and online accounts
If you notice that your recently purchased SLTMobitel Connection is associated with an existing profile on third-party applications like WhatsApp, Viber or IMO, you can request the deactivation of the same from the external service providers.
Properly removing your previously used mobile number from all accounts that have linked to that number is your responsibility. Failure to do so could make you vulnerable to fraud, cyber-crimes and identity thefts. Telecom operators do not have the capacity and liability to deactivate profiles maintained by other parties using the mobile number, as they have no visibility or control over such profiles.Top of Form