The much anticipated mobile number portability (MNP) expected to commence in the next 10 days after series of delays will bring with it billing integrity as well as accountability on the part of telecoms networks to the consumers. Before now, indiscriminate and wrongful billing has been one of the biggest complaints from telecoms subscribers.
Industry analysts told BusinessDay yesterday that the scheme will encourage billing integrity, because “if someone thinks he is being short-changed, he has the freedom to switch to another network.”
Beyond that, the scheme, according to industry analysts, when introduced, would enable the holders of Nigeria’s over 113 million lines to retain their phone numbers when changing from one operator to another.
Tony Ojobo, director, public affairs, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), said on Twitter, Thursday, “number portability kicks off 22nd of April 2013 in Lagos. This is going to be the dawn of a new era in telecommunications service in Nigeria.
“We expect that the MNP regime will usher in deepened competition, billing integrity, value of money, innovative service offering and better Quality of Service (QoS).”
Giving reasons for the delay in the commencement of the scheme, Ojobo said the commission had shifted the date to April so as to guard against any loopholes in the final take off of the process.
“We have postponed the kick-off of number portability in Nigeria to April. The telecoms operators have asked for three weeks extension to be able to put things in order. The situation now is that the operators are testing their various links, crossing from telecoms company A to B. The present situation is to ensure proper process ahead of take off. We want to ensure it is seamless,” he said.
BEN UZOR JR
