Here are the basics of mobile number portability

Here are the basics of mobile number portability
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Did you know that you can now change service providers without changing mobile numbers? Yes, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is now in full effect in the country. 

The Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI) is the governing body of MNP and is a joint venture company of DITO Telecommunity, Globe Telecom, and Smart Communications. 

As per TCI general manager Melanie Manuel, the MNP will be totally convenient for subscribers. Why? Essentially, they’ll know which service provider works best in their area while keeping their existing contact number for free.

Manuel also said that the MNP will encourage the service providers to offer better promos to ensure the retention of their subscribers. “What MNP will actually do is to let service providers come up with better services, better promos, and expand coverage for the number porting service,” said Manuel.

So who’s eligible for mobile number porting? Porting is available for DITO, Globe, and Smart prepaid, and both postpaid subscribers. Postpaid users should make sure their lock-in period has passed, and all liabilities are settled. 

And guess what? Mobile number porting is FREE! Basically, you can try ‘internal porting,’ which means you’ll get to retain your current mobile number as you move from postpaid to a prepaid subscription or vice versa within the same service provider. 

Meanwhile, ‘external porting’ means you’ll get to use your current mobile number as you change service providers. 

To apply for mobile number porting, you have to visit your current network provider to apply for MNP and submit the required documents to get your Unique Subscriber Code (USC). After you present your USC to your preferred network provider, you can apply for a new account. Then, you’ll receive notification after the successful MNP process and new account activation.

Mobile number porting takes 24 to 48 hours. You should also expect four hours of downtime before your account is activated. 

In case you change your mind though, don’t fret. There is no limit to the number of times you can switch network providers. However, there is a 60-day period after each successful number porting before you can request another one.

Art Daniella Sison

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