NTC issues guidelines on permanent cellphone number

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 17) — The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has released the guidelines for the implementation of a law that allows mobile phone users to keep their number even when they switch to another service provider.

The NTC issued Memorandum Circular No. 03062019, outlining the implementing rules and regulation for Republic Act 11202 or the "Mobile Number Portability Act," which was enacted by President Rodrigo Duterte in February.

Under the guidelines, there will be one entity to provide mobile number porting services for all telecommunication companies. The mobile number portability service provider (MNPSP) will be chosen by existing service providers within 120 days after the circular takes effect.

Telecommunication companies will share the expenses for the software and hardware as well as other facilities required by the MNPSP.

The NTC assigned routing numbers for telecommunication providers such as 0587 for Globe Telecom and 0588 for Smart Communications. Reserved numbers such as 0585, 0586, and 0589 will be granted by the NTC should there be new telco providers.

Application for a permanent number is free. No interconnection fee or charge shall also be charged for domestic calls and text messages.

Users opting to apply for a permanent number should have no outstanding financial obligation with their current network, and are not blacklisted for any fraudulent activities by the company.

They should have no pending request for transfer of assignment of the mobile number. Their number should also be activated for at least 60 days.

They shall given a nine-digit unique code that will be submitted along with their porting application. Porting process should be processed withi two days after the submission of the application.

Violation of the regulations may cost service providers up to P1 million and revocation of their franchise.