The country’s major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) - DITO Telecommunity, Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. today (July 16) reported successful initial tests for their technical capabilities and interoperability.

The joint initiative will soon allow customers to keep their mobile numbers permanently, even when they change network providers or switch subscriptions.

In compliance with the government's Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Act, the MNOs concluded the tests via their joint venture company, Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI), earlier this week (July 14, 2021).

Despite the ongoing pandemic, the positive outcome of the initial technical tests are ‘within expectations’, the MNOs announced.

The next step will be to streamline the external porting process, implement fraud and security safeguards, optimize systems and backend business operations in time for a smoother and faster porting experience for customers by the September 30, 2021 deadline.

By conducting a successful actual porting test, DITO, Globe and Smart gained insight on how to address remaining concerns and possible challenges, before making the service available to all customers.

The telcos collaborated to meet their July commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to achieve initial technical readiness, before the actual interporting demonstration with the commission.

“As the newest player in the industry, we are excited to provide this service to Filipinos wherever they may be," remarked DITO Chief Administrative Officer Atty. Adel Tamano.

"With the Mobile Number Portability Act, we have broken down barriers and have given the Filipinos the power of convenience to finally switch to their preferred service provider,” he explained.

“The initial tests gave us a clearer view of the customer experience when they avail of the MNP, including the experience of customers as they interport to Globe numbers from other networks and vice versa," remarked Globe Chief Commercial Officer, Issa Guevarra-Cabreira.

"We learned a lot in the process and we will apply them to make the transition easy and seamless for our customers once the MNP becomes available to all,” she pledged.

"We are working doubly hard with our counterparts from Globe and DITO to comply with the requirements," according to Smart Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Wireless Business Jane J. Basas.

"The successful initial tests will help us understand and recalibrate our systems and processes, so we can make the MNP experience simple and easy for our customers. After all, making things simple, using technology, is at the core of the Smart brand promise,” she added.

Republic Act No. 11202, also known as the Mobile Number Portability Act, ensures that mobile phone users can keep their numbers even when they transfer to another service provider, or when they switch their subscription from postpaid to prepaid, or vice-versa.