The top Filipino Mobile Network Operators (MNO), notably DITO, Globe Telecom, and Smart Communications, are working with the government to implement the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) law successfully completed the first tests on technical capabilities and their interoperability on July 14, 2021 through their joint venture Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI).
Thanks to these joint efforts, customers will soon be able to keep their mobile phone number permanently, even if they change network provider or type of contract.
In light of the ongoing pandemic, the MNO said the outcome of these initial technical tests was “within expectations”. After the initial tests are positive, the next steps will be to streamline the external porting process, implement fraud and security safeguards To optimize systems and backend business processes in good time in order to enable customers to have more smooth and faster number porting by September 30, 2021
By running a successful actual transferability test, DITO, Globe and Smart were able to gain initial insights and details on how to address the remaining concerns and potential challenges before making the service available to all customers.
DITO, Globe and Smart have worked hard to deliver on a commitment with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) that an initial technical readiness should be achieved by July before the actual transmission demonstration with the Telco regulator, a major milestone in the MNP process.
“As the newest player in the industry, we’re really excited to be able to offer this service to Filipinos no matter where they are. When we got into the industry, it was really about promoting competition and innovation. With the number portability law, we have overcome barriers and given Filipinos the opportunity to finally switch to the provider of their choice, “said Atty Adel Tamano , Chief Administrative Officer at DITO.
“Thanks to the first tests, we now have a better overview of the customer experience when using number portability, especially when they switch from other networks to globe numbers and vice versa. We have learned a lot and will use that experience to make the transition easy and seamless for our customers once number portability is available to everyone, “said Issa Guevarra-Cabreira , Globe Chief Commercial Officer.
“We work particularly hard with our colleagues from Globe and DITO to meet the requirements. This corresponds to the orientation of our company, in which customer orientation is always the focus. We have always been at the forefront of using technology to ensure better experiences for everyone, and the successful initial tests will help us understand and readjust our systems and processes so that we can make number portability easy and hassle-free for our customers can. Because the core of Smart’s brand promise is to keep things simple and technology front and center, “said Jane J. Basas , senior vice president and head of consumer wireless business at Smart.
The Republic Law No. 11202 on the portability of telephone numbers ensures that mobile phone users can keep their number even if they switch to another service provider or if they switch their contract from postpaid to prepaid or vice versa.