Telcos successfully complete mobile number portability tests

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s major mobile network operators – Smart Communications Inc., Globe Telecom Inc. and Dito Telecommunity Corp. – have conducted successful technical interoperability tests of mobile number portability through their joint venture company, Telecommunications Connectivity Inc.

The initial tests of their technical capabilities and interoperability were concluded last July 14.

The joint effort by Smart, Globe and Dito will soon provide customers the option to keep their mobile numbers permanently, even when they change network providers or switch subscriptions.

The telcos said the outcome of the initial technical tests were “within expectations.”

“The initial tests gave us a clearer view of the customer experience when they avail themselves of the MNP (mobile number portability), including the experience of customers as they interport to Globe numbers from other networks and vice versa,” Globe chief commercial officer Issa Guevarra-Cabreira said.

“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,” she said.

Through a successful actual porting test, the telcos said they were able to secure initial insights and details on how to address remaining concerns and possible challenges, before making the service available to all customers.

The telcos said the next steps following the initial tests would be to streamline the external porting process, implement fraud and security safeguards, and optimize systems and backend business operations in time for a smoother and faster porting experience for customers by Sept. 30.

Smart, Globe and Dito said they have worked diligently to meet the July commitment with the National Telecommunications Commission to achieve initial technical readiness, before the actual interporting demonstration with the telco regulator.

“We are working doubly hard with our counterparts from Globe and Dito to comply with the requirements. This is aligned with our company’s direction: customer-centricity as our True North,” Smart senior vice president and head of consumer wireless business Jane Basas said.

“We have always been at the forefront of using technology to create better experiences for everyone, and the successful initial tests will help us understand and recalibrate our systems and processes, so we can make the MNP experience simple and easy for our customers. After all, making things simple, using technology, is at the core of the Smart brand promise,” Basas said.

Republic Act 11202, or the Mobile Number Portability Act, ensures that mobile phone users can keep their numbers even when they transfer to another service provider, or when they switch their subscription from postpaid to prepaid, or vice-versa.