No mobile number deactivation if balance Rs 20 or more: TRAI

If you have not used the mobile number for 90 days whose balance is less than Rs 20, then operators can deactivate your number.

If your prepaid mobile number has Rs 20 or more balance left then it could not be deactivated by the mobile operator even if you won't use the number for any purpose, according to a recent decision of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
Announcing the recent amendment to a regulation on deactivation of mobile phone numbers due to non-usage, TRAI said, "The mobile connections of prepaid consumers shall not be deactivated for any period of non-usage less than 90 days."

Also, the regulator said that an 'Automatic Number Retention Scheme' shall be implemented for prepaid consumers on payment of reasonable charges.
"A consumer whose connection is deactivated shall be given a grace period of 15 days within which he can reactivate the same number," TRAI added further.
The Regulations also mandate implementation of a 'Safe Custody Scheme' for postpaid consumers on payment of a reasonable charge. Such consumers will not be required to pay monthly rental during the period of safe custody.