Starting September 30, users of various service providers can transfer to another mobile network without altering their phone number as the Philippines’ major Mobile Network Operators (MBO) are one with the government.
According to a report issued by Globe, Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI) completed the initial dry-run of the technical and interoperability testing together with telecommunication giants namely DITO, Globe, and Smart Communications on July 14, 2021.
“As the newest player in the industry, we truly are excited to provide this service to Filipinos wherever they may be. When we entered the industry, it was to encourage competition and innovation. With the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Act, we have broken down barriers and have given the Filipinos the power of convenience to finally switch to their preferred service provider,” stated by Globe citing Atty. Adel Tamano, DITO Chief Administrative Officer.
“The initial tests gave us a clearer view of the customer experience when they avail of the MNP, including the experience of customers as they interport to Globe numbers from other networks and vice versa. We learned a lot in the process and we will apply them to make the transition easy and seamless for our customers once the MNP becomes available to all,” Issa Guevarra-Cabreira, Globe’s Chief Commercial Officer, added.
The Telecommunications Connectivity Inc (TCI) was established in January 2020 by the country’s largest service providers, including DITO, Globe, and Smart Communication, following the Republic Act. 11202, also known as the Mobile Number Portability Act, which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2019.
The MNP should be free of charge, and the procedure should take no more than 48 hours, according to the National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) guidelines. After 60 days, users can change their network again.
Companies who violate RA 1120 will face penalties ranging from PHP 10,000 to PHP 1 million in addition to the loss of their operating franchise. Users might also face damages of up to PHP 40,000 as a result of this.
