Mobile number portability

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Mobile number portability (MNP) enables mobile phone users to retain a mobile telephone number when changing the mobile network operator.

Contents

Overview

Mobile number portability (MNP) allows people to keep their phone numbers when switching to a new mobile network. Moreover, it has been implemented in various ways across the globe.

In most places, like Europe and many other countries, the process is "recipient-led." This means that when you want to switch to a new network, you contact the new network (the recipient). The new network then asks your current network (the donor) to transfer your number. This method is generally seen as straightforward for customers because they only need to interact with the new network. However, the UK and India have a different system known as "donor-led" porting. In these countries, you first need to contact your current network (the donor) to get a special code a Porting Authorization Code (PAC) in the UK or a Unique Porting Code (UPC) in India—which is to be submitted to the recipient network. The recipient continues the porting process by informing the recipient of that porting code. The method has been criticized by some industry analysts as being inefficient, though it prevents MNP scams. It has also been observed that it may act as customer deterrent as well as allowing the donor an opportunity to win back the customers. This might lead to distortion of competition, especially in the markets with new entrants that are yet to achieve scalability in operations. From 1 July 2019 as a result of new rules from Ofcom, In the UK a customer can request a PAC by simply texting "PAC" to 65075, [1] making the process easier without needing to speak directly to the current provider.

Technical details

A key technical aspect of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) involves the routing of calls or mobile messages (SMS, MMS) to a number once it has been ported. Various call routing implementations exist globally, but the International and European best practice employs a central database (CDB) of ported numbers. Network operators replicate the CDB and query it to determine the network to which a call should be directed. According to RFC 3482, this method, known as All Call Query (ACQ), is both efficient and scalable. The majority of established and emerging MNP systems worldwide rely on this ACQ/CDB method for call routing.

The United Kingdom is one of the few countries that does not use the ACQ/CDB approach. Instead, after a number is ported, calls are routed through the donor network, a method known as "indirect routing." This approach is inefficient as it wastes transmission and switching capacity. Additionally, indirect routing poses risks: if the donor network experiences a fault or ceases operations, customers with ported numbers will lose incoming calls. [2] The UK telecoms regulator Ofcom completed its extended review of the UK MNP process on 29 November 2007, and mandated that ACQ/CDB be implemented for mobile-to-mobile ported calls by 1 September 2009. [3] However, in 2010, Ofcom reversed this decision following objections from major UK telecom operators regarding the cost analysis of the mandate and a successful appeal by Vodafone in 2008. [4] [5]

Prior to March 2008, the minimum porting time in the UK was 5 working days, compared to 3.5 days in Pakistan, 2 hours in the United States, as quickly as 20 minutes in the Republic of Ireland, 3 minutes in Australia and a few seconds in New Zealand. On 17 July 2007, Ofcom concluded a review mandating a reduction of porting time to 2 working days effective 1 April 2008. Following consultations, Ofcom also mandated that near-instant (no more than 2 hours) recipient-led porting be implemented by 1 September 2009. However, Vodafone UK appealed this decision to the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT), which ruled in favor of Vodafone on 18 September 2008, returning the matter to Ofcom for reconsideration. On 8 July 2010, Ofcom issued a final statement retaining the donor-led process, mandating a two-hour PAC release time, and reducing the porting time from two working days to one working day. [6]

In decentralized MNP models, a Flexible Number Register (FNR) may be used to manage a database of ported-out and ported-in numbers for call routing.

Number lookup services

Service providers and carriers who route messages and voice calls to MNP-enabled countries might use home location register (HLR) query services to find out the correct network of a mobile phone number. A number of such services exist, which query the operator's HLR over the SS7 signaling network in order to determine the current network of a specified mobile phone number prior to attempted routing of messaging or voice traffic. These number lookup services can access the centralized database where the details related to each phone number subscribe is present who has been authorized to use the GSM network.

Impact of MNP on mobile carriers and customers

MNP map by implementation time TelQTest Wiki. MNP map by implementation time.png
MNP map by implementation time

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is crucial for telecom markets as it eliminates a significant barrier to switching, particularly for users who place high value on their numbers, such as business users. By reducing the obstacles to switching, MNP benefits challenger carriers in competition with dominant incumbents. Typically, the implementation of MNP in a country results in an increase in customer churn.

The experience of portability can differ significantly from country to country. For instance, in Portugal, any call to a ported mobile number is accompanied by an announcement indicating that the number has been ported. [7] The uptake of porting varies considerably across markets. According to a report by the Irish regulator Comreg, over 3 million mobile numbers were ported in Ireland between 2004 and 2013. [8] In contrast, Portugal, which has a much larger population of mobile users, saw just over one million numbers ported during a similar timeframe.

The Americas

CountryImplementation date
yyyy.mm.dd
Time to port
days
PriceShort notesReferences
Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 2010.08.171–5 days ARS 5 [9] The plan started in August 2010. Number Portability Clearinghouse service is handled by iconectiv. [10]
Flag of Bolivia.svg  Bolivia 2018.10.011FreeThe process take more working days on postpaid services [11] [12]
Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 2008.09.010–3FreeThe plan started in March 2007 [13]
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 2007.03.140FreeMNP procedure takes 10–20 minutes. [14]
Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia 2011.07.290FreeOn 1 July 2020, the time taken for the MNP procedure to take effect was reduced from 3 days to under 24 hours, the customer might also pick a specific date for the MNP procedure be carried out. [15] [16] [17]
Flag of Chile.svg  Chile 2012.01.161FreeThe process takes place overnight. Number Portability Clearinghouse service is handled by iconectiv. [18]
Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg  Dominican Republic 2009.09.303–10Free [19]
Flag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador 2009.10.124FreeASCP handled by Systor, Telconet and JR Electric Supply
Flag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador 2015.08.240FreeThe NP Central data base (NPCDB) "NUMLEX" was developed and installed by Mediafon Datapro, administered by Mediafon Datapro and "imCard S.A. de C.V." . MNP procedure takes up to 8 hours, FNP – 3 days. [20] [21]
Flag of Honduras.svg  Honduras 2014.04.300FreeMNP procedure takes 1 hour.
Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 2008.07.05

2019.09.01

In 2019 September Mediafon de Mexico successfully replaced old solution by modern Numlex NPCDB platform.

Previously the service was handled by iconectiv and Neoris.

[22]
Flag of Paraguay.svg  Paraguay 2012.11.30Up to 8 working daysFreeMNP can take up to 8 working days but usually takes no longer than 1–2 working days. Switching occurs between 1 am and 5 am.
Flag of Peru.svg  Peru 2010.01.017–9Freesim card of the new mobile company that will cost around 15 PEN.
Flag of the United States.svg  United States 2003.11.240Freeiconectiv manages the Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC), the largest number portability system in the world. Consisting of seven regional systems, the NPAC facilitates number porting across all Service Providers in the United States.
Uruguay2021.01.121–5 daysFreeCleartech manages the Portability Database Administration (ABD - Administrador de la Base de Datos)

Central Asia

CountryImplementation date
yyyy.mm.dd
Time to port
days
PriceShort notesReferences
Flag of Kazakhstan.svg  Kazakhstan 2016.01.015FreeThe NP Central data base (NPCDB) "NUMLEX" was developed and installed by Mediafon Datapro, administrated by national NPCDB Administrator.

Asia Pacific

CountryImplementation date
yyyy.mm.dd
Time to port
days
PriceShort notesReferences
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 2001.09.250FreePreviously prefixes
04x1, 04x2, 04x3 referred to Optus
04x4, 04x5 and 04x6 referred to Vodafone
043x, referred to Vodafone Hutchison Australia formally known as Hutchison 3G Australia.
04x7, 04x8, 04x9 and 0410x referred to Telstra
Some carriers may charge a fee for porting out. MNP takes around 10 to 20 minutes
[23]
Flag of Bangladesh.svg  Bangladesh 2018.10.017$0.43

50 BDT Fee and 200 BDT SIM replacement Tax and VAT. Total amount is 256 BDT.

Number portability is available nationwide, "Infozillion BD-Teletech Consortium" provided the MNP. customer should have completed a period of 90 days (from the date of activation of the mobile connection) with the current operator, to be eligible for porting to another operator. Similarly, after porting to a new provider the number would be locked in for 90 days.

GrameenPhone, Robi, Airtel-bd, Banglalink all operator can port own Number.

The duration for the process is 7 days and the time a number is deactivated for portability is about 2 hours.

[24]
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China (mainland)
  • Phase I: 2010.11 (in Tianjin and Hainan)
  • Phase II: 2018.12 (Phase I and Jiangxi, Hubei and Yunnan provinces)
  • Phase III: 2019.11.10 (all provinces, officially on 2019.12.01)
<1 (1~2 hours as in Phase II)Free (but as per the 4th requirement on right, sometimes cancellation of contract services may take some fees)No MVNO, satellite and IoT numbers are accepted due to technical challenges. No changes on home territory when doing MNP. MNP requests may only accepted if and when the phone numbers:
  1. Are identified with real name
  2. Are not in reported-the-loss or halted mode
  3. Have not owed phone bills
  4. Have no limits on contract services
  5. Have linked with the previous carrier for 120 days
[25] [26] [27] [28]
Flag of Hong Kong.svg  Hong Kong 1999.03.012FreeService handled by Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA). In the network, you may be charged unexpectedly for a call to a mobile that has been ported form a different network. [29]
Flag of India.svg  India 2011.01.203 [30] ₹6.46 (if requested by operator)Number portability is available nationwide, [31] provided the customer should have completed a period of 90 days (from the date of activation of the mobile connection) with the current operator, to be eligible for porting to another operator. Similarly, after porting to a new provider the number would be locked in for 90 days. Number Portability Clearinghouse service is handled by iconectiv.

The duration for the process is 3 days and the time a number is deactivated for portability is about 2 hours.

[32]

[33] [34]

Flag of Japan.svg  Japan 2006.10.241JPY 3000 [35] [36]
Flag of Malaysia.svg  Malaysia 2008.10.011Free1 day is a minimum time necessary for porting. Number Portability Clearinghouse service is handled by iconectiv. [37] [38] [39] [40]
Flag of Maldives.svg  Maldives 2016.03.102MVR 200Number portability is allowed within a circle. The customer should have completed a period of 90 days (from the date of activation of the mobile connection) with the current operator and any outstanding bills should be cleared, to be eligible for porting to another operator.

Although the duration for the process is 2 days for total process but the time a number is deactivated for portability is 2 hours only.

[41]

[42] [43]

Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 2007.04.01 [44]
Flag of Pakistan.svg  Pakistan 2007.03.234FreeCustomers can port between prepaid and postpaid options. On porting IN, the recipient company provides, free credit and airtime. The service is handled by Pakistan MNP Database (Guarantee) Limited, [45] the joint venture of all the cellular companies of Pakistan. Number Portability Clearinghouse service is handled by iconectiv.
Flag of the Philippines.svg  Philippines 2021.09.302Free [46]
Flag of Singapore.svg  Singapore 2008.06.131FreeCustomers are not able to port between prepaid and postpaid options. Vendor for database installation is Syniverse Technologies [47]
Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea 2004.07.12 [48] [44]
Flag of the Republic of China.svg  Taiwan 2005.10.131 TWD 112 [49] [50]
Flag of Thailand.svg  Thailand 2010.12.152FreeNumber Portability Clearinghouse services were previously handled by iconectiv. 2 days can be just working days. [51]
Flag of Vietnam.svg  Vietnam 2018.11.16 (postpaid)

2019.01.01 (prepaid)

260,000 VND (postpaid)

50,000 VND (prepaid)

Number Portability Clearinghouse service is handled by iconectiv. [52]

Europe

CountryImplementation date
yyyy.mm.dd
Time to port
days
PriceShort notesReferences
Flag of Albania.svg  Albania 2010.12.22TBATBAAgreement signed on 2010-12-22 between AKEP (Authority of Electronic and Postal Communications) and the service handling company "INFOSOFT SYSTEMS sh.a.". Service not implemented yet. [53]
Flag of Armenia.svg  Armenia 2014.04.01
Flag of Austria.svg  Austria 2004.10.163 EUR 10
Flag of Azerbaijan.svg  Azerbaijan 2013.08.013FreeFrom 1 January 2013 NPCDB in Azerbaijan is administrated by Mediafon Datapro, the company of Mediafon group, which has won international rebid for NPCDB administration in Azerbaijan in 2013.

Mediafon Datapro successfully replaced old solution by modern Numlex NPCDB platform.

[54] [55]
Flag of Belarus.svg  Belarus 2012.02.011Free
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium 2002.10.012FreeThe central solution CRDC has been re-implemented several times. Originally, it was implemented by iconectiv US, then by Cap Gemini Sweden and Belgium, and the third time by Porthus Belgium. Access to DB: setup fee : €11 000, annual fee: €3000. Before, the prefixes 047x was for Proximus phones, 048x for Base and 049x for Orange
Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg  Bosnia and Herzegovina 2013.01.013Free [56]
Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria 2008.04.112 EUR 2.56
Flag of Croatia.svg  Croatia 2006.10.0155 days is maximum possible period necessary for porting a number. Service handled by HAKOM.
Flag of Cyprus.svg  Cyprus 2004.07.??2Free [57]
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czechia 2006.01.154Before 2013-09-01 it was 30 days to transfer, now just 4 days [58]
Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark 2001.07.??1 DKK 0–29The central solutions is called OCH – Operators Clearing House. Before 2009 it was 30–60 days to transfer number, now just 1 day [59]
Flag of Estonia.svg  Estonia 2005.01.017
Flag of Finland.svg  Finland 2003.07.255FreeHandled by the company Numpac [60]
Flag of France.svg  France 2003.06.303FreeHeavily improved since November 2011 with a 3-days maximum lead time (was taking 2 months in most cases before 2007, then 10 days) [61]
Flag of Georgia.svg  Georgia 2011.01.01FreeFrom 1 January 2017 NPCDB in Georgia is administrated by Mediafon Datapro, the company of Mediafon group, which has won international rebid for NPCDB administration in Georgia in 2016. Mediafon Datapro successfully replaced old solution by modern Numlex NPCDB platform. [44]
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 2002.11.011Free
Flag of Greece.svg  Greece 2003.09.??3FreeService is handled by iconectiv.
Flag of Hungary.svg  Hungary 2004.05.018Free
Flag of Iceland.svg  Iceland 2004.10.0110Free10 days is maximum possible period.
Flag of Ireland.svg  Ireland 2003.07.250FreeFull mobile number portability in Ireland is a very simple and rapid process, driven by the customer. The request is made to the new operator, then automatically confirmed by SMS or a voice call using a code. It normally completes within a few minutes. Many operators can process requests automatically online through their websites. Requests can occasionally take longer, but usually no more 24 hours. Volumes of ported mobile numbers are reported in the Comreg quarterly report [8] Before 2003, partial mobile number portability was available. Customers retained the last 7-digits of their mobile number, but changed operator prefix. Callers to the old prefix would hear an automatic announcement advising them of the new number. This service was introduced in 1997 and replaced by full portability in 2003. Where an Irish number is ported, mobile callers will hear a 'chirp' tone if they are calling a number that is not on its original network. This alerts them that call charges other networks may apply.

Service handled by PortingXS via the Inports Number Portability System.

Flag of Italy.svg  Italy 2002.04.011Free (1 to €1.6 if the subscriber wants to transfer their prepaid credit to the new carrier)The maximum time for the procedure is 24 working hours. In case of delay up to 3 working days no refund is given, if the delay is longer than 3 days user receive a refund of €2.5 for each day of delay, start counting from day 1.
Flag of Latvia.svg  Latvia 2007.??.??10Free
Flag of Lithuania.svg  Lithuania 2004.01.0128From 2016.01.01 (after rebid in 2015) NPCDB administrator VsI "Numerio perkelimas" manages NPCDB solution NUMLEX developed and installed by Mediafon.

Time to port – 1 day

Flag of Luxembourg.svg  Luxembourg 2005.02.011Managed by the G.I.E Telcom E.I.G. operator group and developed, installed and operated by Systor Trondheim AS.
Flag of Malta.svg  Malta 2005.07.3104 hours is a period necessary to port a number.
Flag of Moldova.svg  Moldova 2013.07.015–30FreeService handled by Mediafon Datapro. The NP Central data base (NPCDB) "NUMLEX" was developed, installed and supported by Mediafon Datapro, administrated by national NPCDB Administrator "NP Base" [62]
Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 1999.04.??3 [63]
Flag of North Macedonia.svg  North Macedonia 2008.09.01The reference database was developed, installed and is operated by Seavus Group.
Flag of Norway.svg  Norway 2001.04.015NOK 0 – 200Administrated by the National Reference Database (NRDB). The reference database was developed, installed and is operated by Systor Trondheim AS.
Flag of Poland.svg  Poland 2006.02.??FreeTo be administrated by the National Central Database (PLI-CBD) run by Office of Electronic Communications (UKE). 30-day max porting time is to be reduced to 1 day.
Flag of Portugal.svg  Portugal 2002.01.015–10Free [64] Operated by Portabil S.A. Solution implemented by Systor Trondheim AS of Norway.
Flag of Romania.svg  Romania 2008.10.213 [65] FreeDeveloped by UTI Systems based on the Porthus implementation [66]
Flag of Russia.svg  Russia 2013.12.018 [67] RUR 0–100 [68] [69] CBDPN was installed.
Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia 2011.07.012Free
Flag of Slovakia.svg  Slovakia 2004.05.014FreePortation request done in 5 days
Flag of Slovenia.svg  Slovenia 2005.12.315EUR 55 EUR is a maximum possible price
Flag of Spain.svg  Spain 2000.10.??1Free [70] Central database managed through the AOPM (Asociación de Operadores para la Portabilidad Móvil).
Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden 2001.09.015–6 [71] [72] FreeThe largest operators formed independent company, SNPAC AB, to procure central database (CRDB) solution. Implementation of CRDB is carried out by Cap Gemini & Oracle.
Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland 2000.03.01 [73] 5Free [74]
Flag of Turkey.svg  Turkey 2008.11.092–6FreeAVEA and Vodafone hired Gantek to implement central database (CRDB) solution and donated it to Turkish Telecommunications Regulatory Authority. Number Portability Clearinghouse services were previously handled by iconectiv. SIM replacement required.
Flag of Ukraine.svg  Ukraine 2019.05.011FreeParticipants: 3Mob, Lifecell, Vodafone, Kyivstar, Intertelecom [75]
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom 2003.07.251FreeUsers in the United Kingdom are required to use a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) [76] [77]

Middle East and Africa

CountryImplementation date
yyyy.mm.dd
Time to port
days
PriceShort notesReferences
Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain 2011.07.08FreeManaged by the Systor Cntral System.
Flag of Egypt.svg  Egypt 2008.04.0724 hoursFree (may request 5 EGP for new MNP SIM fee), was charging 75 EGP beforeNPC serves the centralized administrative and provisioning role of MNP, where Giza Systems is the system integrator. Cannot revert to existing operator before 4 months of service to new operator. Porting to another operator, line should be at least 4 months old. Number Portability Clearinghouse services were previously handled by iconectiv. [78]
Flag of Ghana.svg  Ghana 2011.07.07typically 5–10 min., max 24 hoursFreeCentral system operated by Porting Access Ghana, under authorisation from National Communications Authority
Flag of Iran.svg  Iran 2016.07.103–5Free
Flag of Israel.svg  Israel 2007.12.03up-to 30 minutesFreeService includes landline as well as mobile numbers [79]
Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg  Ivory Coast 2018The NP Central data base (NPCDB) "NUMLEX" was developed and installed by Mediafon Datapro.
Flag of Jordan.svg  Jordan 2010.??.?? [44]
Flag of Kenya.svg  Kenya 2011.04.01Free [80]
Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait 2013.06.151FreeThe Ministry of Telecommunications has launched the service on 2013-06-15. The project manager is the National Technology Enterprises Company www.ntec.com.kw
Flag of Morocco.svg  Morocco 2019 ongoing deploymentIn 2019 Mediafon Datapro will successfully implement modern Numlex NPCDB platform.
Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria 2013.04.222FreeNCC (Nigerian Communications Commission) has adopted a phased approach to the launch of Mobile Number Portability service in Nigeria. The process to port to CDMA networks will begin as soon as the GSM porting process is completed and launched. Mobile Number Portability will initially be available among the GSM mobile operators: MTN, GLOBACOM, ETISALAT, and AIRTEL. Number Portability Clearinghouse services were previously handled by iconectiv. [81]
Flag of Oman.svg  Oman 2006.08.26Implemented as a decentralized solution by Porthus for Nawras, and by Gulf Business Machines/Telcordia for Oman Mobile.
Flag of Palestine.svg  Palestine 2020.09.201 hourFreeCannot revert to the existing operator before 3 months (for prepaid users)/6 months (for postpaid users) of service to the new operator. [82] [83]
Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar 2013.01.31Maximum 1 working day – would be activated the successive dayFree, operator can impose SIM card charges if anyThe National Numbering Committee, established by ictQATAR has taken care of the MNP management. Currently both Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar allows Port in and Port out for Prepaid and Postpaid Services
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia 2006.07.08FreeManaged by the Centralized Clearinghouse Approach, The implementer and system integrator is Giza Arabia. Number Portability Clearinghouse services were previously handled by iconectiv.
Flag of Senegal.svg  Senegal 2015.09.01MNP goes nearly online, max −24 hoursFreeThe NP Central data base (NPCDB) "NUMLEX" was developed and installed by Mediafon Datapro, administrated by Mediafon Datapro and Comet Afrique Telecoms .

Only MNP.

Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 2006.11.10The three operators, Vodacom SA, MTN SA, and Cell C, formed an independent company for the implementation and management of the central solution. After delays, the implementation of this solution was awarded to local company Saab Grintek collaborating with iconectiv.
Flag of Tanzania.svg  Tanzania 2017.03.01Free
Flag of Tunisia.svg  Tunisia 2016The NP Central data base (NPCDB) "NUMLEX" was developed and installed by Mediafon Datapro, administrated by national NPCDB Administrator.
Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  UAE FreeNumber Portability Clearinghouse service is handled by iconectiv.

See also

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References

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  3. Ofcom "Telephone number portability for consumers switching suppliers - Concluding Statement", 29 November 2007
  4. Ofcom "Routing calls to ported telephone numbers - Statement", 1 April 2010
  5. Competition Appeal Tribunal "Vodafone Limited v Office of Communications Judgement | 2008 CAT 22", 18 September 2008
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