Globe Telecom, Dito Telecommunity and PLDT subsidiary Smart Communications have selected Syniverse to enable mobile portability services in the Philippines.
Syniverse, which was selected as the mobile number portability service provider (MNPSP) via a RFP, will bring in the technical infrastructure to function as clearinghouse for the telecoms ensuring implementation of number porting services.
Syniverse now connects more than 7 billion devices globally and processes more than $35 billion in mobile transactions each year.
“With recognition by the Philippine mobile operators, the Mobile Number Portability project will be another milestone marked in mobile services in the Philippines,” said Paul Hodges, senior vice president of Sales, Syniverse.
Average period for completing the implementation of MNP is 27 months in global markets from the regulator’s issuance of the IRR. Syniverse estimates the period of integration and interoperability will be less than 18 months from setting up of the support mechanism in the Philippine market. Porting services shall be free of charge to the customers.
“We’ve taken the key steps forward but there’s still a lot of work to be done in terms of technical preparations. We are taking steps to put in place a seamless and efficient process for our existing and would-be customers who would like to avail of this service in the future,” said Alfredo S Panlilio, chief revenue officer of PLDT and Smart, and president of Smart.
“Given the technical and operational complexity of mobile number portability, we wanted to make sure the MNPSP has the experience and capacity to fulfill its obligations under the law,” Globe Chief Technology and Information Officer and Chief Strategy Officer Gil B. Genio said.
MNP enables mobile phone users in the Philippines to keep their numbers even when they transfer to another telecom service provider, or when they switch their subscription from postpaid platform to prepaid, or vice-versa.
