Number Portability Starts today

From today, the over 100 million mobile phone users in the country can now change from one network to another and still retain their numbers. This is courtesy of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP)regime which takes off today. The regime would be flagged off with a massive publicity event by the Nigeria Communications Commissions (NCC). However, there are concerns about how mobile phone users can effectively access and enjoy the benefits of the system after the launch. Perhaps in anticipation of this, NCC has outlined what subscribers should do to effectively utilise the benefits of the system. Mobile Number Portability makes it possible for a subscriber to migrate from one network - may be due to poor services - to another which he/she feels can offer better services, without losing his/her original phone number. Already, NCC and telecoms operators as well as MNP service providers, have confirmed their readiness for the scheme while there has been excitement stemming from what MNP is able and about to do. Expectedly, the service will give the telecoms consumers the freedom of choice, redefine competitionand allow subscribers the opportunity to use only one phone and operate on the platform of their choice. The service will also impose cutting-edge responsibility on the operators who will now ensure their quality of service is good enough to retain the confidence of their subscribers.