The country’s major mobile operators Globe, new player Dito Telecommunity and PLDT subsidiary Smart Communications have joined forces to put up a new company using fresh investments to enable number porting services in line with the new mobile number portability initiative of the government. This is an important first step towards the full implementation of Republic Act 11202 also known as the “Mobile Number Portability Act” (“the MNP Act”).
Syniverse, the world’s most connected company, was chosen by the Philippine mobile operators through a rigorous technical and commercial evaluation process, to be the mobile number portability service provider (MNPSP). The company will bring in the technical infrastructure to fulfill its primary function as clearinghouse for the telcos and ensuring smooth implementation of number porting services.
“For more than 30 years, Syniverse has been the trusted spine of mobile communications by delivering the industry-leading innovations in software and services that now connect more than 7 billion devices globally and process more than $35 billion in mobile transactions each year. With recognition by the Philippine mobile operators, we are confident that the Mobile Number Portability project will be another key milestone marked in mobile services in the Philippines,” said Paul Hodges, Senior Vice President of Sales, Syniverse.
The company is expected to bring in the technical infrastructure to fulfill its primary function as clearinghouse for the three mobile operators to ensure the smooth implementation of number porting services. Under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the MNP Act, the mobile operators will equally share the capital expenditure for the software, hardware and other facilities required by the MNPSP. However, the sharing of operating and maintenance costs shall be agreed upon by the mobile operators and the MNPSP.
As MNPSP, Syniverse is likewise expected to fulfill all functions outlined in the implementing rules and regulations under the NTC Memorandum Circular 03-06-2019 issued in July this year. With the initial step of setting up the support mechanisms, the actual implementation of MNP will be contingent upon the completion of integration and interoperability tests of the clearinghouse facilities with the separate multi-vendor systems of the mobile operators.
Based on experience in other countries where customers are charged for porting fees, the average period for completing the implementation of MNP is 27 months from the regulator’s issuance of the IRR. For the Philippine market, Syniverse estimates the period of integration and interoperability to be no later than 18 months from setting up of the support mechanism. In addition, porting services shall be free of charge to the customers.
“We’ve taken the key steps forward but there’s still a lot of work to be done in terms of technical preparations. We at PLDT and Smart have geared up for this. We are taking steps to put in place a seamless and efficient process for our existing and would-be customers who would like to avail of this service in the future,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, Chief Revenue Officer of PLDT and Smart, and President of Smart.
“Given the technical and operational complexity of mobile number portability, we wanted to make sure the MNPSP has the experience and capacity to fulfill its obligations under the law. Our utmost priority is to ensure that the experience of our customers is seamless and of utmost convenience should they decide to port their numbers. We are one with the government in having our customers enjoy global mobile practices,” Globe Chief Technology and Information Officer and Chief Strategy Officer Gil B. Genio said.
Through the MNP Act, 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.
Mobile Number Portability refers to the ability of a mobile postpaid or prepaid subscriber, who has no existing financial obligation to the current service provider, to retain an existing mobile number despite having moved from one mobile service provider to another, or to change the type subscription from postpaid to prepaid or vice versa.
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About Globe Telecom
Globe Telecom, Inc. is a leading full-service telecommunications company in the Philippines and publicly listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange with the stock symbol GLO. The company serves the telecommunications and technology needs of consumers and businesses across an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband, data connectivity, internet and managed services. It has major interests in financial technology, digital marketing solutions, venture capital funding for startups, and virtual healthcare. In 2019, Globe became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, committing to implement universal sustainability principles. Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel, acknowledged industry leaders in the country and in the region. For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph. Follow @enjoyglobe on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Contact:
Yoly C. Crisanto
SVP, Corporate Communications
Globe Telecom, Inc.
Email Address: gtcorpcomm@globe.com.ph
Globe Press Room: https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/newsroom.html
Twitter: @talk2GLOBE │ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/globeph
About PLDT, Inc.
PLDT is the leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines. Through its principal business groups – fixed line, wireless and others – PLDT offers a wide range of telecommunications and digital services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone, and fixed line and cellular networks. PLDT is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:TEL) and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE:PHI). PLDT has one of the largest market capitalizations among Philippine–listed companies.
Contact: media@pldt.com.ph
About Smart Communications, Inc.
Smart Communications, Inc.(Smart) is a wholly-owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, Inc., the Philippines’ leading telecommunications company. Smart serves approximately 95% of the country’s cities and municipalities with its combined 2G, 3G, and 4G LTE network, providing mobile communications services, high-speed internet connectivity, and access to digital services and content, through its commercial brands Smart, TNT, and Sun. Smart also offers satellite communication services under the brand Smart World.
For more information, please contact:
Ramon R. Isberto, Head of Public Affairs, PLDT and Smart
+63 2 5113101 | RRIsberto@smart.com.ph
www.pldt.com.ph/newscenter | www.smart.com.ph/newsroom
About Syniverse
As the world’s most connected company, Syniverse helps mobile operators and businesses manage and secure their mobile and network communications, driving better engagements and business outcomes. For more than 30 years, Syniverse has been the trusted spine of mobile communications by delivering the industry-leading innovations in software and services that now connect more than 7 billion devices globally and process over $35 billion in mobile transactions each year. Syniverse is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, with global offices in Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. For more information, subscribe to the Syniverse Blog and follow the company on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Contact:
Noel Coronel, Regional Account Director
+639173076565
About Dito Telecommunity Corporation
The Mislated Consortium–to be renamed Dito Telecommunity Corporation–is the newest telco player in the Philippines; its services are expected to roll out in 2020. Its primary goal is to provide the best service in telecommunications that the Filipino people deserve. From the current 64% 4G coverage in the country, Dito will cover 84% of the population in its first year. In 5 years, the company will be covering the country with 5G, with speed offerings that are 10 times faster than what is being offered in the present. With VOLTE, they will be able to give Filipinos better quality voice service that the circuit switch 2G/3G. Aside from optimized IoT and OTT, Dito will deliver better customer experience at a reduced cost, on the strength of its cloud-focused and software-defined network approach.
Contact: Charisee Vilchez
charisee_vilchez@havasmediaortega.com
+63 9175390606
