MOBILE NUMBER PORTABILITY: PH telcos put up Telecommunications Connectivity Inc.

By Aila Kate I. Moreno

The Philippines’ major mobile network operators officially introduced the joint venture firm Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI) which allows mobile numbers portable across each other’s networks starting September 30, 2021.

In a press briefing held last July 22, 2021, representatives from DITO Telecommunity, Globe Telecom, and PLDT Inc’s Smart Communication explained that Mobile Number Portability (MNP) will enable TCI subscribers to switch service providers or change their subscription from postpaid to prepaid and vice versa even without changing their current phone numbers.

“The entire telco industry and the Philippine government are pushing forward with the same goal of providing Filipinos with better telco services. Aside from encouraging healthier competition amongst the players, MNP also grants Filipinos the freedom to switch to their preferred mobile service provider seamlessly and conveniently… Na walang alinlangan,” said TCI Treasurer and Chief Administrative Officer of DITO Telecommunity Adel Tamano.

TCI emphasized that switching between network providers will be free and unlimited for its users as long as they have an active SIM and the requestor is the assignee of the mobile number to be ported.

TCI also reminded users that they should have no remaining balance from their previous bill, no existing court prohibitions, and no pending transfer of ownership.

TCI general manager Melanie Manuel said that the porting between different networks would take 48 hours with about 4 hours downtime before the transfer takes effect. She also mentioned that the subscribers could request for another transfer only after 60 days.

The joint venture was formed along with the implementation of Republic Act No. 11202 or the Mobile Number Portability Act. TCI president, and senior vice president of PLDT and Smart Mario Tamayo said that the legislation requires mobile network operators to provide nationwide mobile number portability to subscribers.

“We want to make sure that we can give the best solutions and services to the Filipino people. Gusto natin pagaanin ang buhay at pasimplehan ang proseso para sa bawat telco subscriber by giving them the power of choice. Through mobile number portability, we are empowering our customers to pursue their passions and purpose. Ang DITO, Globe at Smart ay katuwang ng ating gobyerno upang palakasin ang telco industry sa Pilipinas,” Tamayo added.

The three telco companies spent P120 million for the operation of MNP under the mobile number portability service provider, Syniverse. The company is tasked to make sure of the smooth implementation of number porting services between the three telcos.

(Aila Kate I. Moreno is a Communications and Media Studies student of UP Visayas in Miagao, Iloilo)