R.A. 11202 - An Act Requiring Mobile Service Providers To Provide Nationwide Mobile Number Portability To Subscribers

The Senate approved this Act on the third reading on November 13, 2018 and was signed into law by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on February 8, 2019. It was principally sponsored by Senator Win Gatchalian as Senate Bill Number 1636 also known as "The Lifetime Cellphone Number Act". This Act provides mobile users with the option of keeping their existing mobile numbers even as they switch networks or mode of subscription services (from prepaid to postpaid, and vice versa). The bill accomplishes this by prohibiting Public Telecommunications Entities (PTEs) from locking-in mobile devices to their respective network, regardless whether the device is sold as a unit or under a service contract. Additionally, SBN 1636 also removes the interconnection charges being imposed by network companies for calls and text messages sent to numbers registered under competing networks. At present, users are charged with P2.50 per minute for calls and P0.15 for text messages to different networks. In 2016, these interconnection fees generated a total revenue of P3.2-billion for one telco giant. To ensure strict compliance with the pro-consumer provisions of the measure, SBN 1636 imposes strict penalties on PTEs for non-compliance. For the first offense, telecommunication companies shall be charged a fine between P100,000 to P300,000; for the second office, the fine will be from P400,000 up to P600,000. Subsequent offenses shall have a penalty of not less than P700,000 and up to P1-million, and shall result in the revocation of the telco company's franchise.

Beginning September 30, this Act will be implemented for the good of the cell phone users. Cell phone users don't have to change their numbers anymore even if they switch to another mobile service provider. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said telco companies committed to fully implement by this Republic Act No. 11202. NTC Deputy Director Engr. Edgardo Cabarios told in a Senate hearing January 27, 2021 that the measure's commercial launch was supposed to be within the first three months of 2021, but the Coronovirus pandemic has delayed all their plans. Telco giants Smart, Globe, and new player DITO earlier agreed to implement the porting platform. The firms formed a consortium called Telecommunications Connectivity, which will conduct an interoperability testing by June. Under this act, a cell phone owner may only have to send a so-called porting application if he/she wants to switch to another provider. This means that the cell phone owner can still retain his/her number for free. The measure also applies if the cell phone owner is switching from prepaid to postpaid and vice versa. Telcos also can't lock-in mobile devices to their own network.

Mobile Number Portability FAQ's

• What is Mobile Number Portability (MNP)?

A global practice enables a mobile phone customer to keep their number even when they switch networks or change their subscription from postpaid to prepaid and vice versa, free of charge.

• Why is there a need for mobile number portability?

MNP can help promote consumer welfare by fostering the freedom to choose and to respond to quality, price and other relevant considerations without the consumers having to change their mobile numbers whenever they change mobile service providers or subscription plans.

• Will I be charged for porting request?

As stated in Republic Act 11202, porting will be free of charge.

• How frequently can I request to port my number?

The law states that 60 days should have lapsed from your last porting before making another request. 

• What types of porting can I do?

Porting involves two types, internal and external. Internal porting means moving only within your mother network and may take these forms:

        >    Postpaid going to prepaid
        >    Prepaid going to postpaid
        >    Globe Prepaid to TM and vice versa
        >    External porting means bringing your number from your mother                          network to an outside network or vice versa. The network where you're               coming from is called the originating network, while the network where               you’ll transfer to becomes the receiving network.

• When can I request for internal porting and what are the requirements?

For GLOBE:

Globe launched its internal porting last April 21.

To port within our network, you need to meet the following requirements:

• An active SIM or mobile number
• No financial obligations or remaining balances from your previous postpaid bill
  
• No porting request in the last 60 days
  
• No record of fraudulent activity

For SMART:

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For DITO:

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• When can I request for external porting and what criteria should I meet?

The NTC said that by September 30, 2021, customers of Globe, Smart, and Dito can keep their mobile numbers when switching networks.

For GLOBE:

As stated by law, you should be able to port to Globe from another network when you meet the following criteria:

1. Have an active mobile number
2. Your mobile number shouldn’t be part of a bundled service or product
3. There must be no pending request for the transfer of ownership of your mobile subscription
4. Your mobile number must not have other accounts under your subscription
5. No porting request in the last 60 days
6. No fraudulent activity
7. No remaining balances from your previous postpaid bill or financial obligations
8. Your mobile number must not be linked to a device that is still locked with Globe. To learn more about unlocking of device, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/help/unlocking-mobile-phones.html.
9. Your mobile number must not be under any NTC, court or law prohibition.

At the very least, you should be able to submit these basic requirements:

- A valid unique subscriber code (USC)

- A government-issued ID

- Proof of ownership of your mobile number

For SMART:

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For DITO:

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• What happens to my current subscriptions when I apply for mobile number porting?

All your current subscriptions, including prepaid load balance, rolled-over data, Value-Added Services (VAS) and other add-ons will automatically expire once your MNP application is approved and activated.

• When it's time, how do I apply for external porting and how long will the actual process take?

For GLOBE:

To switch, individual Globe customers may apply at Globe stores and Globe Online. Globe Business customers may apply through their Account Managers.

Those from other telcos may inquire about switching through their respective customer care channels.

There will be a maximum of four (4) hours of service interruption (no call, text or data) to complete the activation of your new subscription.

The overall porting process will take 48 hours after your application is approved, as illustrated in the image.

For SMART:

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For DITO:

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• Why did you get a mobile number portability service provider (MNPSP)?

We needed the expertise and capability of a service provider given the technical and operational complexity of porting services. The decision to get Syniverse Technologies was made by all telcos – Globe, PLDT/ Smart, and Dito – in coordination with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Syniverse Technologies LLC will serve as the bridging company between the telcos regarding porting. 

• Does this mean I'll go to Syniverse when I want to port, and not to my network?

The porting request should still be made to your mother network. The entire transaction will still be between your original network and the recipient network.

• What is the stand of telcos' on zero interconnection charges?

Interconnection fees are charges paid by your network to another network so your call or text to their network can be completed. 

The telcos are supportive of zero interconnection fees for the benefit of customers.

• Can I go directly to Syniverse when I want to port?

The porting request should still be made to your mother network. The entire transaction will still be between your original network and the recipient network.

• I heard from the news that all telcos have presented the pilot testing for external porting/switching to NTC; does this mean that we can now also apply for external porting/switching?

The telcos are one with the government in that they would like their customers to enjoy what's being practiced in other countries. The news about the pilot testing is to showcase to the NTC that the networks are working together to deliver this to their customers. As declared by the NTC, customers these telcos can keep their mobile numbers when switching networks by September 30, 2021.

The pilot testing aims to check if switching across the different networks can be done, check the technical readiness of all networks and secure initial insights and details on how to address remaining concerns and possible challenges, and identify possible improvements to the process in time for the September 30 commercial launch of mobile number switching.

The pilot testing isn't available to any customers as it's intended to iron out and fix business processes and technical issues prior to the commercial launch on September 30.

• How do I switch from non-Globe/TM to Globe Prepaid/TM?

You may switch your number to Globe Prepaid/TM in four easy steps:

1. Prepare your requirements. Make sure that you're out of contract and you have your Unique Subscriber Code (USC) on hand. To request for a USC, text USC to 5050 using your existing mobile number.
2. Fill out the application form at https://new.globe.com.ph/port-number. Make sure to complete all details required to switch your current number to Globe Prepaid/TM. We'll let you know if you're eligible to switch within 48 hours after submitting your application. 
3. Wait for your Globe Prepaid/TM MNP SIM. Once your application is approved, Globe will deliver your free MNP SIM (within 3 days for customers in Metro Manila, or within 7 days for customers everywhere else).
4. Activate your new Globe Prepaid/TM SIM. Enter your 6-digit Prepaid Porting Code after inserting your new Globe Prepaid/TM MNP SIM into your device. To enjoy your new service, make sure to download the New GlobeOne app!

• What is a Unique Subscriber Code?

The Unique Subscriber Code (USC) is a 9-digit code which can be requested via text, will initially check if your mobile number is eligible for switching, and it’s valid for fifteen (15) days from date of issuance.

• Do I need a new SIM when I switch to other telco?

For GLOBE:

Yes, you'll need to order a Globe Prepaid/TM MNP SIM in order to enjoy Globe Prepaid and TM services.

You may order a Globe Prepaid/TM MNP SIM here. Globe will deliver your MNP SIM once your application gets approved.

For SMART:

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For DITO:

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• What is a Prepaid Porting Code?

The Prepaid Porting Code is a 6-digit code that you will receive via text or email after your switching application has been approved.

• How will my MNP SIM be activated? How long is the activation process?

For GLOBE:

Just insert your Globe Prepaid/TM MNP SIM and enter the Prepaid Porting Code. Your SIM will be activated and your signal will switch to Globe within 4 hours.

For SMART:

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For DITO:

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