Mobile Number Portability
This process enables customers to retain their existing telephone numbers when switching between service providers, applicable to both personal and business mobile numbers, virtual phone numbers, and landlines. By law, customers are entitled to transfer their mobile numbers between providers at no cost, as frequently as they desire.
MNP Process Explained
Initiating a Porting Request
A user desiring to change their service provider begins by submitting a request to the prospective provider.
Identity Verification and Authorization
The prospective provider confirms the user's identity and number ownership. Following verification, the user approves the commencement of the porting procedure.
Porting Application to the Current Provider
The prospective provider formally requests the current operator to release the user's number.
Collaboration Between Operators
The incoming and current operators coordinate the transfer details, including the number's activation schedule.
Updating the Location Register
On the scheduled date, the current provider updates its system to deregister the ported number.
Adjusting Routing
The telecom network is updated to route communications to the new operator's network for the transferred number.
Activating the Number
The new operator activates the service for the ported number, enabling the user to utilize their existing number with the new provider's services.
Completion Confirmation
The user receives notification from the new provider confirming the successful porting of their number.
Consumer Advantages of MNP
Number Consistency
Users can maintain their current numbers when switching providers, avoiding the inconvenience of updating contacts.
Choice of Network Quality
MNP allows users to select providers based on network performance rather than being locked into one due to their number.
Potential for Cost Reduction
Competition fostered by MNP can lead to better deals for consumers, who can switch providers to take advantage of lower costs.
Enhanced Negotiation Leverage
The ease of switching providers grants consumers the power to negotiate better terms with potential or current providers.
Superior Customer Service
The competitive market driven by MNP motivates providers to offer excellent customer service to retain or attract customers.
Business Benefits of MNP
Uninterrupted Business Operations
Companies can switch telecom providers without altering their well-established contact numbers, ensuring continuity.
Marketing Consistency
The ability to retain phone numbers helps businesses preserve their branding and marketing investments when changing providers.
Communication Cost Management
MNP introduces a competitive market, allowing businesses to negotiate favorable rates and minimize communication costs while keeping their numbers.
Flexible Growth and Technological Adaptation
Businesses can scale and adapt their telecom services to meet changing needs without changing their contact numbers, thanks to MNP.
Number Porting Procedure
Verify Porting Eligibility
Users should first ensure their number qualifies for porting, typically requiring a clear account and fulfillment of contractual obligations.
Informing the Current Provider
The user notifies their existing provider of their intention to port out their number.
Submission to New Provider
The user provides necessary details to the new operator, including personal and account information, to facilitate the porting.
Completion and Service Transfer
Following the porting process, the user's previous service is terminated, and the new operator informs the user of their active service on the new network.