Number portability service begins next Monday

Customers could now switch from one telecommunications provider to another and maintain their existing phone numbers. This announcement was made by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) as the agency announced the implementation of the number portability service in Guyana, effective next Monday.

The number portability service, allows both fixed-line and mobile phone subscribers to switch service providers whilst retaining their existing phone numbers. This offers consumers greater freedom to choose the provider they prefer minus the inconvenience of changing phone numbers. The PUC said that all the customer would need to do is request the porting of their phone number by completing relevant porting forms, and providing a valid form of identification. The switch for mobile porting typically takes one business day while fixed line porting is expected to take five business days.

The Commission noted that this milestone is a direct result of the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector on October 5, 2020, and the subsequent issuance of the Telecommunications (Commencement of Number Portability Obligations) Order on July 1, 2021, by Prime Minister, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips.

The PUC was tasked with ensuring the smooth implementation of number portability and established the Number Portability Working Group (NPWG) in August 2021. This group, chaired by the Commission, included representatives from the telecommunications service providers and the Telecommunications Agency, who oversaw various testing phases critical to the service’s success.

The agency said a dedicated technical sub-group, comprising project managers and technical leads from the service providers, was also formed to address specific challenges and ensure seamless system integration across all networks.

Key accomplishments of the NPWG, was the development and approval of the Business Rules which outlines the operational guidelines for number portability and the contracting of PXS B.V, a clearinghouse provider from the Netherlands, licensed to provide number portability administration services in Guyana.

“This transformative service is designed to foster competition in the telecommunications sector… and marks a pivotal step in enhancing consumer choice and driving innovation in the telecommunications industry,” the regulatory agency said.

For more information on the porting process, the Commission said the agency could be reached on its website at www.puc.org.gy and its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pucgy. Calls could be made during business hours at telephone numbers 226-7042/ 227-2182/336-6077 and via WhatsApp at 623-3222/ 624-6000 for further details.