Ofcom to speed up mobile number portability

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Ofcom has launched a consultation process to discuss proposals to make it possible for people's ported mobile numbers to be active on a new network within two hours by the end of September 2009.

The watchdog is also proposing that, by April 2008, operators have a two-day maximum window in which to transfer mobile users' numbers across to their new network using a porting authorisation code (PAC), rather than the five-day grace period they're afforded today.

As part of its transformational proposals, Ofcom is calling for the creation of a central database of transferred numbers that will be populated by fixed and mobile providers and come into force by the end of 2008.

This database will allow calls to be routed directly to the new provider rather than via the former operator's network, ensuring users benefit from a smoother transition.

"The UK was one of the first countries to introduce number portability and this has helped create a competitive mobile market in the UK," said Ed Richards, Ofcom's chief executive.

"However, the original process is now out-of-date. We believe that the industry should introduce a new system which will stimulate competition and encourage consumers to exercise choice between competing suppliers with a minimum of inconvenience."

The communications watchdog is also mulling over the idea of creating a recipient-led porting process that would mean customers only have to call the provider they wish to move to in order to transfer across.

Under Ofcom's proposals, which it is seeking consultation on until September this year, direct routing to transferred numbers on fixed networks will become a reality by the end of 2012.

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