Mobile phone users free to switch

PUTRAJAYA: From today, mobile phone users can enjoy the freedom of switching network service providers without having to forgo their original phone number, including the prefix number.

Effective today, the service will be extended to users with prepaid mobile phone numbers in the Klang Valley and post-paid users can start enjoying the benefit in two weeks’ time.

In a statement, Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said the service, known as Mobile Number Portability (MNP), would take away the inconvenience associated with switching service providers and consumers’ concern over losing their contacts when doing so.
“Service providers are allowed to charge up to RM25 each time subscribers change their mobile phone service provider. This will give the users choice and freedom to choose their service providers without the inconvenience of having to change their numbers,” Shaziman said.

“The nationwide launch for the MNP will be done in October.”
Shaziman said MNP was about improved service quality, better packages, better customer service and giving consumers choice, adding that initially only individual account holders would be able to use the service while business accounts could do so after the nationwide launch.

He said that until the nationwide launch each service provider would only be able to accept 100 requests a day, adding that prepaid users’ balance credit would not be refunded.

Mobile phone users can find out more on the MNP at the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission website at www.skmm.gov.my and at mobile operators’ websites.

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