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DITO, Globe, Smart conclude initial mobile network portability tests

Globe 5G network now covers 88% of NCR

In a joint media release, Philippine telecommunications firms DITO Telecommunity, Globe Telecom, and Smart Communications through their joint venture company, Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI) said they have successfully concluded the initial tests of their technical capabilities and interoperability last July 14, 2021.

This is in line with the government’s implementation of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Act, which allows customers to keep their numbers regardless of the service provider they choose. The porting test was held to determine possible challenges and secure initial insights and details before rolling out the service to customers.

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.

Smart Infocast connects 1.3M Filipinos in communities

Globe 5G network now covers 88% of NCR

“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,” said Jane J. Basas, SVP and head of Consumer Wireless Business, Smart Communications.

Interporting

The MNOs said the outcome of these initial technical tests is “within expectations.” The results of the tests will enable them 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 Sept. 30, 2021.”

“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,” said Issa Guevarra-Cabreira, chief commercial officer, Globe.

DITO, Globe, and Smart worked together to meet the July commitment with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to achieve initial technical readiness, before the actual interporting demonstration with the telco regulator, a key milestone in the MNP process.