IDA Enhances Number Portability Regime To Benefit Consumers
Posted on Wednesday, August 02, 2006 - 08:00 AM
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) will enhance the Number Portability regime here so that consumers can benefit from greater choice and flexibility in mobile and fixed line services.
From the fourth quarter of 2007, consumers can switch between telecoms service providers easily and yet have full use of their existing number, rather than having to update family members, friends and business contacts about a new one. Beyond that, the new solution will spell greater competition among the telecoms service providers and business opportunities in Singapore's telecoms market.
Currently, mobile subscribers can switch telecoms service providers and keep their numbers. But he gets in essence a call-forwarding service as a call to his old number is routed to his new one. His contacts will see only this new number when he makes out-going calls and sends messages (SMS). The drawback with this is that their recipients see an unrecognisable new number and may even ignore the calls or SMSes. He is also not able to receive MMSes on his original number with such a solution.
Under a true Number Portability regime, these inconveniences and limitations will be eliminated. Consumers will only use one number, no matter how many times he changes telecoms service providers. This reduces or cuts out barriers that presently deter consumers from switching telecoms service providers. Such a move will also keep the Singapore telecoms market keenly competitive and relevant to future market developments.
IDA Deputy Chief Executive and Director-General (Telecoms) Leong Keng Thai said: "A telephone number has become a highly personal item, as consumers treasure the numbers they have shared with long-time business associates, friends and family. Being able to keep the number means convenience, while allowing a consumer to enjoy the choices the liberalised Singapore telecoms market offers. Telecoms service providers in turn could offer more compelling reasons to attract new customers or keep their existing customers."
The move is timely as Singapore's iN2015 infocomm masterplan is being implemented. With iN2015's plans for a Next Generation National Infocomm Infrastructure, new capabilities and services, such as services and networks inter-operability and location-based services, are expected. A true Number Portability regime will be well-placed to support the evolution of such next-generation needs. It may also encourage new business possibilities in the converged voice and data space, for new players, including non-telecom ones.
The three key changes to the present regime, in place since April 1997, are:
a. IDA will introduce a common centralised database approach for operators to provide number portability for fixed line services, post- and pre-paid mobile services. This is a more robust, effective and efficient approach in the long run. The centralised database will be independently-run and open access;
b. One number is all consumers will have when they switch between mobile service providers. Switching between mobile operators should also take about one day, compared with five days currently for a switch;
c. Fixed line operators must stop recurring monthly porting service charges. Consumers who want to port their fixed line telephone number to a new fixed line service provider will need pay only a one-time administrative charge to them. Mobile service providers stopped such recurrent charges in June 2003.
Operators will have to enhance their number portability solution by the fourth quarter of 2007. This enhancement will include appointing a neutral centralised database administrator by IDA, developing this database, and upgrades in operators' networks and provisioning systems.
True Number Portability from 4th Quarter 2007- 02 Aug 2006 - IDA issues decision to enhance Number Portability Regime
- By September/ October 2006 - IDA issues Request for Proposal
- By December 2006/ January 2007 - IDA appoints a Centralised Database administrator
- From fourth-quarter 2007 - Singapore enjoys true Number Portability
IDA's decision follows a public review last September of the number portability solutions for mobile and fixed line services. Thirty-six members of the public and 10 industry players made submissions. Consumers expressed unequivocal support of the proposed enhancements. They consider it a timely move and look forward to the freedom to switch.
Their sentiments were echoed in the findings of a Consumer Awareness and Satisfaction Survey6, commissioned by the IDA last year. Most of the respondents said being able to keep their number is a critical consideration when switching telecoms service providers. Of those who switched or considered switching but did not, many said that the high one-time administrative charge, having two-numbers and the inability to receive MMS on their original number after porting were key deterrents.
IDA also commissioned a cost-benefit analysis earlier this year, which showed the benefits of the new number portability solution will outweigh the implementation costs over the long term7.
Following today's decision, the IDA will establish a Number Portability Working Committee. That group will comprise IDA, the service providers and other relevant parties such as the Centralised Database Administrator after its appointment. Together, they will oversee the implementation of true Number Portability.
Mr Leong said: "IDA's decision will ensure that it continues to effectively serve the infocomm market, facilitate market entry, and promote further competition and developments."
More details on IDA's decision on the review of the number portability solutions for both fixed line and mobile services can be found at IDA's website, in the sections "Policy & Regulation", "Consultation Papers".
Oct 14, 2008 - 02:43 AM
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