According to the statistics issued by the Telecommunications s Regulatory Authority, more than 28,000 people so far have benefited from number portability, the service which is provided by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority which proved that the consumers are understanding and aware of their rights and freedom in choice of service provider that meets their demands and offers them the best service.
The Number portability service allows the consumer to move his number to another operator without any change on the number. For example, the subscriber of the number 12345678 (mobile or fixed line), with the operator (B) can move with his/her number to another operator (C) without amending or changing the number.
It is important for the consumer to know the following information which explains the way of applying for, using and billing this service.
The consumer shall contact the service provider that he/she wishes to switch to apply for the service, and then the number will be ported under the supervision of the new provider.
The consumer is not required to contact his/her current service provider to obtain its approval of the number portability request.
After the number portability process is completed, the previous service provider will send the consumer an invoice of the charges prior to the number portability process and his/her contractual obligations, if any, where the consumer remains committed to the payment of all obligations and financial dues to the service provider in a timely manner.
The number will return to the previous service provider in the case of the non-payment of the due invoices on time by the consumer, and in this case the consumer shall be required to submit a new application to restore the same number from the previous provider.
Mobile number portability shall be conducted from one to three working days and from one to six working days for fixed number portability.
A fee of maximum BD4 is charged for mobile number portability and of BD6 for fixed number portability.
TRA also advises the consumer to contact 81188 for more information enquiries about the number portability service. All information on the service can be viewed at www.ilovemynumber.com