PNG to start using number portability

 MOBILE phone users will in near future use the same SIM card to make calls or send messages from any location domestically or overseas, Communication and Information Technology Minister Jimmy Miringtoro (pictured) says.

He said once the policy on number portability was developed, subscribers for either Digicel or bmobile Vodafone would use same SIM regardless of the network.

Number portability is a measure already introduced in developed nations that will customers to retain their mobile numbers even when they shift countries or cellular mobile services.

About 11 countries worldwide have implemented the number 

portability; USA implemented it as early as 2003 and Honduras last year.

Miringtoro said: “Once the law is passed, there is no need to buy additional mobile and associated SIM card. 

“It would be more convenient and cheaper to use same SIM card number to call family, friends or business associates domestically or anywhere in the world regardless which network the customer uses in his communication. 

“We must work in partnership with current mobile network operators as important stakeholders in the industry. 

“With such strong collaboration they can support the initiatives put forward by the government of the day to implement this very important policy.”

Responding to The National on when the number portability policy will be implemented, Miringtoro said “there are number areas that the Government through National Information and Communication Technology Authority was currently working on. 

“For example, SIM card registration has to take effect by way of legislation in August and cybercrime legislation will take effect by October if everything proceeds as planned,” he said. 

“Therefore it will take time for us to effectively implement these policies on number portability.”