NTC backs away from MNP citing high costs

Plans to allow mobile phone users in the Philippines to switch their service provider while retaining their existing cell phone number could be scratched after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) said such a move could be too expensive. Edgardo Cabarrios, NTC chief for common carriers authorisation, is quoted by the The Manila Times as saying that mobile number portability (MNP) could be too costly for subscribers – based on the recommendation of the agency’s technical working group. ‘It’s technically feasible, but not financially viable,’ Cabarrios said. Parliament had earlier submitted House Bills 1098 and 3088 facilitating the introduction of MNP and granting service providers authority to give their subscribers the option to retain their numbers.