House Okays Mobile Number Portability Bill

A measure allowing mobile phone users to retain their numbers even when switching network providers hurdled third and final reading at the House of Representatives.

Members of the lower chamber on Monday overwhelmingly approved House Bill 7652 or the “Mobile Number Portability Act” with 216 affirmative votes, zero negative and no abstention.

The bill also allows subscribers to switch postpaid to prepaid subscription or vice-versa without having to change their mobile numbers.

All public telecommuncations entity will be required to provide MNP to all qualified subscribers free of charge.

The bill, meanwhile, requires that the subscribers have duly-registered their names and mobile telephone numbers with the originating service provide and have no existing liability or outstanding obligations with the originating service provider.

Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, one of the authors of the measure, said its enactment will deter the proliferation of scammers and will truly benefit subscribers who want to avail of mobile services that fit their needs and offer the best quality.

Velasco said the bill provides a clear mobile identity to prevent scammers from their fraudulent activities and bogus text promos or offers to unsuspecting subscribers.

The Senate has already approved its own version of the bill on third and final reading. (PNA)