The country’s three mobile phone operators on Thursday rolled out their mobile number portability service, enabling customers to switch to other operators without having to change their numbers.
“We wish to announce to the Filipino people that as of Sept. 30, the core services of mobile number portability are now ready,” said Melanie Manuel, general manager of Telecommunication Communication Inc.
“We do expect to experience some inconveniences as we start offering the service, but we are confident that with the continued cooperation and hard work of our three partner telcos, we can say that finally, forever is here,” he said.
TCI expects one million subscribers to initially port out from existing providers. Under the MNP, customers may also switch their prepaid account to a postpaid plan and vice-versa without replacing their mobile number.
“MNP is a game-changer, and Smart is best-positioned to champion this initiative and support the government’s call for world-class services for all Filipinos,” said Alfredo Panlilio, president and chief executive of PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications.
To switch to the Smart network, a mobile user should first secure a unique subscriber code from his or her originating provider to serve as clearance and bring it to the nearest Smart store along with a valid ID and any proof of mobile ownership. From there, Smart will begin processing the MNP application without any charges.
Globe Telecom Inc., Smart and DITO Telecommunity Corp. invested P120 million in the MNP service. The three telcos tapped Syniverse to be the MBP service provider in the country.
