Change Networks Without Changing Your Phone Number: NCC Starts SIM Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Today
Nigerian Communications Commission has today 22nd April launched the mobile number portability (MNP) after a failed target of March 27. The new service which will allow customers to migrate to another network while retaining their mobile phone number was launched amid different emotions.
The NCC has stated that it expect this new service to improve service of various networks due to the tight competition that will ensue. The NCC has given its guidelines about the new service in a statement on its website.
Customers are allowed to port their networks without any charge involved. Customers who make calls to ported lines are not to be charged extra cost but must be charged like they are making calls to the original (initial) network.
However, the complex process of porting networks could discourage so many people to try it out. Porting can only be done in accredited offices of various networks. It can’t be done by calling customer care lines, or online, or any other electronic means.
There is also a 90-day restriction for the porting service. You are only allowed to port to another network only once in 90 days. Also subscribers to new service providers are to present their identification cards, passports, driving licenses, or an officially validated photographic identity document and the working mobile numbers they wish to port into their new operator’s accredited offices.
There have been many comments with customers encouraging such an initiative while network providers are having doubts about the viability of the new service. They think it may not last long. In my own corner, I’m observing. Why hurry when time can solve what seems a difficult issue amicably?
Meanwhile Airtel and Glo mobile have stated their readiness to start providing the service to customers immediately. I hope we won’t have to wait too long for others and one particular network.
The four networks have more than two-thirds of the telecoms market in Nigeria
