MCA proposes phone number portability

The Malta Communications Authority has published a consultation paper on the proposed introduction of number portability in Malta.

Two types of number portability are being proposed - operator number portability, which refers to the ability of end-users to retain their telephone number when changing their service provider and location number portability, which is a facility whereby subscribers could retain the same telephone number when moving from one location to another.

The MCA said that changing a telephone could be a major inconvenience to both business and residential users and therefore number portability reduced such inconvenience and provided significant benefits.

These included:

¤ elimination of the need to inform other parties of the number change, changing stationery and other signage;

¤ the elimination of the need for callers to consult directory enquiries and/or change entries in their address books or computer systems;

¤ increased competition, with significant benefits for all users, by lowering the cost to users of switching operator or service provider.

MCA chairman Joseph V. Tabone said the objective of the paper was to seek the views of operators and interested parties regarding the planned introduction of number portability.

The MCA is proposing the introduction of operator number portability for fixed telephony numbers, mobile numbers and non-geographic numbers and location number portability for fixed telephony numbers.

The document - "Introducing Number Portability in Malta" - can be viewed on the MCA's website - www.mca.org.mt.

Copies can also be obtained from the MCA by phoning 2133 6840.

The consultation period runs until November 14.