Changing network and retaining number now possible

Consumers can now switch their mobile phone network without changing any part of their number, the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) said yesterday.

Full number portability forms part of a European Union directive.

From now on, consumers will no longer need to contact their telephone provider but go directly to a new network. It will be up to the recipient company to make the necessary arrangements, MCA market operations analyst Claude Azzopardi said at a press conference.

Mr Azzopardi, who referred to the system as one of the best "porting" processes in Europe, said it allowed the changeover to take place quickly.

In fact, a request to port a mobile number during working hours between Monday and Friday and in the morning on Saturday will generally be effected by the next working day.

Individual fixed lines will be ported within five working days while fixed line blocks within four weeks. Moreover, at no time showed the process leave the consumer without a line.

Customers are now able to determine the network provider through a freephone number - 180 - or by sending a text message to the same number.

Customers may be refused portability if they have outstanding bills.

Maltacom has also made the necessary ground work to provide the service for fixed lines should a competitor enter the market.

The MCA has received an unspecified number of requests from other providers of fixed line services, but none has yet started operating.