NCC Begins Test Run of Number Portability

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it will begin test run of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) preparatory to its full implementation in the first quarter of next year.

Mobile number portability (MNP) enables mobile telephone users to retain their mobile telephone numbers when changing from one mobile network operator to another.

The Commission had earlier fixed June this year for MNP implementation, but shifted the date to September on the grounds that it needed time to conclude the harmonisation of subscribers’ data collected during the SIM card registration exercise and appoint an MNP operator.

At a forum at the weekend,  NCC’s  Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, said all the things required for the test run of the MNP are ready and that the test-run will begin this December.

Ojobo added that the test run will give the consultants the opportunity to address any hitches that may arise in the process for a full launch in first quarter next year.

It would recalled that NCC had licensed three service providers to implement number portability in the country. They are Interconnect Clearing house, Saab Grintek and Telcordia.

These firms will be responsible for the set up and implementation of Number Portability Clearing House in Nigeria, and provide mobile number portability solution administration in Nigeria within six months of receiving the license with a testing period of two months.

The commencement of implementation of MNP which is wisely perceived as an effective means of checking anti-competitive behaviour of some mobile operators will address poor quality of service.

By Henry Ojelu