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The Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) announces today (Tuesday) that Mobile Number Portability (MNP) will be available from 1 March 1999.

Since the middle of January 1999, all fixed and mobile network operators have been carrying out tests for the implementation of MNP. The tests results have been found satisfactory and MNP will be introduced from 1 March 1999 as scheduled.

With MNP, customers of mobile telephone services may retain their mobile telephone numbers if they change to another mobile network. This would remove the last major obstacle to the freedom of choice by consumers and would promote fair and effective competition in the market.

A customer who wishes to change to another mobile network and retain the existing mobile telephone number need only to complete a simple application form in the sales outlet of the new network operator chosen by the customer. The new operator will handle the porting of the number with the existing operator providing service to the customer.

The customer does not need to approach the existing network operator to apply for the porting of the mobile telephone number. The customer will need to settle any outstanding account with the previous network operator or to recover any deposit from the operator in accordance with the contract terms.

Normally, a "cutover" can take place within one to two days. However, since there is a technical limitation on the systems of the operators, an initial limit of 5,000 cutovers per day has been adopted to ensure satisfactory implementation of the scheme.

It is possible that on the initial launch of the MNP, there may be many people wishing to change networks. If the number of cutover exceeds the daily 5,000 capacity limit, the cutover will be automatically deferred to the next earliest available timeslot and the new network operator will advise the customer of the cutover timeslot. Until the cutover timeslot, the customer may continue to use the service of the existing network operator.

Once implemented, the MNP will continue to be available in future after 1 March 1999. There is therefore no need to rush for the MNP service on 1 March 1999. Consumers should take their time to shop around before deciding on which network that best fits their requirements.

The existing network operator may not charge the customer a fee for porting the telephone numbers out of the network. The new network operator may charge a fee, but this will be subject to commercial consideration of the new operator.

All telephone numbers associated with the mobile services, including the main handset number, pre-paid SIM card number, and numbers for the voice mail services and short message services may be ported.

OFTA has prepared a consumer information leaflet to provide the customers with basic information and hints about the MNP. The leaflet is freely available for collection at the sales outlets and shops of all six mobile network operators, Government District Offices, offices of the Consumer Council and OFTA. It can also be downloaded from OFTA's Internet home page at www.ofta.gov.hk. It would be advisable for customers to approach directly their mobile network operators for any doubts about the MNP services provided by them. However, OFTA will maintain a telephone hotline 2961 6333 for the public to dial in to get help if they have any questions about the MNP services provided by operators.

END/Tuesday, February 23, 1999

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