FILIPINOS CAN now keep their cellphone numbers even if they switch network providers or change subscription plans, as the Mobile Number Portability Act was enacted into law.
“This law is a game-changer. This will give consumers more freedom to choose their mobile service provider without having to lose or change their numbers. When we opt to switch networks, we won’t have to worry anymore about the hassle of informing our contacts, and of possibly missing important calls or messages,” said Rep. Victor Yap (2nd District, Tarlac).
“This is very timely as we anticipate the third telecommunication provider in the country,” the lawmaker added.
Yap, who chairs the House Committee on Information and Communications Technology, is the sponsor and principal author of the Mobile Number Portability Act or Republic Act 11202.
Under the new law, subscribers can shift from one network to another without changing the number free of charge.
Switching the type of subscription from postpaid to prepaid, or vice versa, must be completed within 24 hours from the time the subscriber submits the application.
The law further provides that subscribers shall no longer be charged with interconnectivity fees or additional fees every time they call or text other networks.
“We hope that this law would push network providers to compete with each other in providing consumers with the best quality, and most affordable and reliable mobile services,” Yap said.
Firms that fail to comply with the law will penalized with the following: a fine of not less than P40,000 for the first offense; a fine of P100,000 up to P300,000 for the second to the fourth offense; and, a fine of P400,000 up to P1 million and revocation of franchise to operate for the fifth and subsequent offense.
