Mobile network subscribers can now subscribe to the other network whilst retaining their entire mobile number. The service, which will reduce former inconveniences, will cater for fast number porting at a relatively low cost thanks to the full cooperation of the operators, the Malta Communications Authority (MCA) said.
As from the 1st April, an overlap has also been allowed whereby the subscriber will be connected to both networks so no loss of calls will be experienced during the porting process.
The process for number portability was initiated back in October 2003 with the publication of a consultation paper. However due to technical complexities and costs involved to introduce the service, a steering committee comprising of members from each local operator was formed and was led by a foreign expert up to the publishing of an MCA decision in March 2005.
The MCA said that it recently received a number of general authorisations to provide available fixed telephone services from a number of entities. "This augurs well for the future as it makes way for increased competition in the market. Together with the availability of number portability, such a competition will provide added benefits for the customer," the authority stated.
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