adminKudakwashe Pembere Business Reporter
GOVERNMENT has put on hold talks to introduce mobile number portability in order to give time for network operators to set up the system. Number portability ensures that mobile subscribers keep their phone numbers when they move from one network to another.
Mobile users effectively have the freedom to link up with any service provider and port their numbers from one network to another using the same SIM card and relevant contacts.
In an interview with the Herald Business, Information Communication Technology Postal and Courier Services permanent secretary Engineer Sam Kundishora said Government had to ensure mobile operators are prepared.
“We wanted to ensure that there are platforms which will enable mobile phone operators to implement this system. Operators should have the right equipment in place which will recognise the numbers in a virtual way. Mobile operators should come up with some compatibility system and structures,” he said.
Eng Kundishora noted that good quality of service from the mobile phone operators is important for mobile number portability to be implemented.
According to a notice issued by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe recently all mobile network operators are expected to implement number portability next year.
Potraz says it regards number portability as an important regulatory tool to widen subscriber choice and promote service-based competition.
“The inability of subscribers to retain their respective mobile telephone numbers when they change service providers presents an obstacle to competition and is an inconvenience to the customers,” reads part of the notice.
According to Potraz, the notice represents the first step in moving towards number portability in Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter