
Saturday March 16, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced the awaited Mobile Number Portability (MNP) starts March 25, a day earlier than its initial announcement.
Head, Media and Public Relations of the Commission Reuben Muoka, said:“It is going to be launched commercial on March 25 and with the initial start-off, only the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) operators will be porting. Telecommunication subscribers can only port among the GSM operators, and subsequently, the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) operators will be part of it.
He added:“As we know, both are mobile but with somewhat different technologies; we wanted to take it bit by bit to ensure that it is effective.
Mobile Number portability will allow users to retain their mobile phone numbers as they migrate to other GSM service providers. The service will be available only to registered SIM cards.
NCC warns that firms that try to persuade clients to join their service will be penalised as it is a matter of personal choice.
The move will also bring in competition and likely improve services.