Three mobile service providers, Smart and Globe, and new player Dito Telecommunity signed a deal that would allow their users to keep their cellphone number even if they changed networks.
The three aforementioned mobile service providers made a joint venture with Syniverse, an American tech firm, which would help in the implementation of the Mobile Number Portability Act, as per a report from CNN Philippines.
“The company will bring in the technical infrastructure to fulfill its primary function as a clearinghouse for the telcos and ensuring smooth implementation of number porting services,” Globe said in a statement.
The networks added that the service will be “free of charge” to customers.
“It would require 18 months for the networks to integrate their systems once,” Globe furthered in their announcement.
Mobile users were forced to change their numbers when they would use a new network.
Republic Act 11202 signed in February would allow Filipinos to keep their mobile numbers despite their decision to change networks or when they shift from postpaid to prepaid subscription, and vice versa.
The Dito Telecommunity is a new network in the Philippines owned by Dennis Uy with China Telecommunications which is expected to go live by 2020.
