Details of the launch of mobile number portability (MNP) have been revealed by the Minister of Energy, Water and Communications, Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor. October 2008 will see the nationwide launch of MNP, with customers in the capital Kuala Lumpur offered the service a month earlier. Each operator will be allowed to charge for the service as they choose, although Shaziman did reveal a cap of MYR25 (USD7.53) had been set.
The Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications (MEWC) has also announced the Time 3 programme, which aims to enhance mobile coverage to 97% by 2010. The programme will see 1,250 network towers built in two phases; the first phase of 600 towers is already underway and is due for completion in December. The second phase of the project is due to begin in July 2009, and scheduled for completion in 2010.