On September 30, Pinoy subscribers will switch mobile networks without losing their current phone numbers. Telcos anticipate that at least one million of their subscribers will change to another provider as of that date.
Telecommunications Connectivity Incorporated anticipates that this number of people will switch to another network, even though they have seen up to 30% of subscribers port out in other countries.
TCI is a partnership between Smart, Globe, and DITO to carry out the Mobile Number Portability Act. The act, which was signed in 2019, allows prepaid and postpaid subscribers to port out to a different mobile carrier for free while keeping their original number. The act also keeps telcos on their toes by requiring them to keep their subscribers satisfied or risk losing them.
Subscribers must have no financial obligations to their current service provider before switching. There is also a two-month waiting period to prevent multiple network switches.