Once a phone number gets disconnected, it goes into quarantine for six months. After the completion of six months, the phone number is available to the service provider to reissue to a new customer.
During the six-month quarantine, neither the previous owner can use the number nor can it be given to a new owner. The possible reasons for the phone number to enter the quarantine phase include a request to cancel the service or a user request to change the number. An unpaid bill causing the service provider to disconnect the phone based on the collection process and the failure to recharge the prepaid service within 90 days of activation can also result in the recycling of a phone number.
