What is number portability?

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What is mobile number portability?
How does number porting work?
What are the benefits of number portability for consumers and businesses?
number portability definition ITU
LNP MNP telecommunications regulation Number portability, often referred to as "number porting" or specifically as Mobile Number Portability (MNP) for cellular phones and Local Number Portability (LNP) for fixed (landline) telephone lines, is a telecommunications regulatory provision that allows telephone subscribers to retain their existing phone number when switching from one telecommunications service provider to another. In essence, it de-links the phone number from the service provider, making it a property of the subscriber rather than being permanently tied to the network it was originally issued by.
Historically, if a customer wanted to switch telecom providers (e.g., to get better rates, improved service quality, or wider network coverage), they would be forced to obtain a new telephone number. This posed a significant inconvenience for individuals and businesses alike, as it necessitated updating contacts (friends, family, clients), informing various job seekers data service providers, and potentially incurring costs for reprinting business cards and marketing materials. This "switching barrier" effectively reduced competition among providers.

How Number Portability Works:

The process of porting a number typically involves a coordinated effort between the "donor" provider (the old service provider) and the "recipient" provider (the new service provider). The exact steps can vary slightly by country, but a common model (often "recipient-led") involves:

Initiation: The customer contacts the new service provider they wish to switch to and expresses their desire to port their existing number.
Authorization: The customer provides their existing phone number and account details to the new provider. In some regions, the customer might need to obtain a specific Porting Authorization Code (PAC) from their current provider to confirm their intent to switch.
Request and Verification: The new provider then sends a formal porting request to the old provider. The old provider verifies the request, ensuring the customer is authorized to port the number and that the account is in good standing (e.g., no outstanding bills, not in a halted state).
Database Update: Once approved, the number's routing information is updated in a central database, often managed by a Number Portability Administration Center (NPAC) or a similar entity. This database acts as a central directory, informing all other telecommunication networks about which provider is currently serving that specific number. When a call or message is made to a ported number, the originating network queries this database to determine the correct current network of the receiver and routes the communication accordingly.

Activation: The new provider activates the number on their network (usually with a new SIM card for mobile numbers). The old service typically becomes inactive. The process is designed to minimize service interruption, often completing within minutes to a few business days, depending on the type of number and national regulations.
Benefits of Number Portability:

Increased Consumer Choice: Customers are no longer "locked in" to a provider by their phone number. They are free to choose a provider based on factors like price, service quality, network coverage, and customer service.

Enhanced Competition: By making it easier for customers to switch, number portability forces telecom providers to compete more aggressively for customers, leading to better pricing, improved services, and increased innovation across the industry.
Convenience and Continuity: For individuals, it eliminates the hassle of notifying a new number to friends, family, and online accounts. For businesses, it is crucial for maintaining brand recognition, customer trust, and uninterrupted operations, as their contact numbers remain consistent on marketing materials, websites, and customer records.

Market Liberalization: It helps dismantle potential monopolies or dominant positions held by incumbent operators, fostering a more dynamic and customer-centric telecommunications market.
Number portability has become a standard regulatory requirement in most telecommunications markets worldwide, significantly empowering consumers and driving a more competitive environment within the industry.