The Mobile Number Portability is nearing its launch as the top three telcos in the Philippines reported they have concluded the initial tests before its rollout.
For a quick background, President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Republic Act 11202, better known as the Mobile Portability Act, back in February 2019. This will allow users to switch telcos and keep their existing numbers.
By January 2020, Globe, Smart, and DITO have signed a deal to agree to the said law.
Now, the three main telcos in the Philippines reported that the initial tests for mobile number portability were successful.
Globe Telecom, PLDT’s Smart Communications, and DITO Telecommunity created Telecommunications Connectivity Inc., which concluded the initial tests of the technical capabilities and interoperability for the said feature last Wednesday.
In a joint statement, it’s said that the successful porting test allowed the trio to secure initial insights and details on how to work out the remaining concerns and possible challenges for the feature’s roll-out.
Apparently, the results of the technical tests are “within expectations”, a hint that things are going smoothly.
After the initial tests, the telcos will focus on streamlining the external porting process, optimizing systems and backend business operations, and implementing fraud and security safeguards.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) announced back in January that the Mobile Number Portability, the feature will allow users to switch between network and keep their numbers, will start on September 30, 2021.