Manila: A law allowing mobile phone subscribers to keep their numbers for life has been signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Mobile Number Portability Act or Republic Act 11202 allows mobile phone subscribers in the Philippines to practically keep the numbers assigned to them. As their own they get to keep these even if they switch network providers.
“This law is a game-changer. This will give consumers more freedom to choose their mobile service provider without having to lose or change their numbers. When we opt to switch networks, we won’t have to worry anymore about the hassle of informing our contacts, and of possibly missing important calls or messages,” Representative Victor Yap of the 2nd Congressional District of Tarlac, said.
Yap, who chairs the House Committee on Information and Communications Technology, is the sponsor and principal author of the Mobile Number Portability Act or Republic Act 11202.
Under the new law, subscribers can shift from one network to another without changing the number free of charge.
Telecom services in the Philippines has been lagging compared to other countries as there had been a virtual “duopoly” in the business.
In the Philippines, mobile phone numbers are assigned depending on the network service provider. Currently, there are two major mobile service providers---Globe and Smart Telecoms. A third wireless telecom firm is expected in the coming months.
“This is very timely as we anticipate the third telecommunication provider in the country,” the lawmaker added.
“We hope that this law would push network providers to compete with each other in providing consumers with the best quality, and most affordable and reliable mobile services,” Yap said.
The Mobile Number Portability Act is also expected to help address terrorism as it is known that terrorists use easily accessible and disposable mobile phones and sim cards for carrying out bomb attacks using explosives rigged to a cellphone detonating device.
Under the new law, mobile phone users are compelled to have their units registered with the government.
