The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has said that from today onwards Mobile Number Portability (MNP) will be available to mobile phone users.
Mobile Number Portability is a facility where mobile customers can move between mobile networks and retain their full mobile number – with no cost or no inconvenience. It is being introduced to the Irish mobile market as part of the implementation process of the new EC Directive on Universal Service and Users’ Rights.
ComReg said Mobile Number Portability will contribute to increasing competition as it enables the customer to choose to move between networks, where they will get a better deal on tariffs or services with another network, without incurring the additional cost and inconvenience of a number change.
As consumers no longer have to change their numbers there will be no inherent cost to the user and or those calling that number, who will be inconvenienced by misdials etc. In future, all mobile customers with a 085, 086 or 087 mobile number can be an active subscriber on the network of their choice with that number.
The Chairperson of the Commission, Etain Doyle, said: “Mobile Number Portability is about facilitating consumer choice. It removes the cost and inconvenience of moving between networks. ComReg, working with industry, has sought to facilitate consumer choice in the mobile market with a fast and consumer friendly porting solution. International experience would suggest that Mobile Number Portability can have a significant impact on both consumer behaviour and competition in the mobile market.”
