Information Minister Melford Nicholas says the long-awaited implementation of mobile number portability (MNP) is finally approaching completion, telling Parliament that the reform is now in its final stages after years of public frustration.
Nicholas acknowledged that the delay has been a major source of concern for consumers, who have repeatedly asked why they cannot switch mobile providers without losing their phone numbers.
He said the technical and regulatory work needed to support the system has advanced significantly and that the government is now close to delivering the reform.
During the Budget Debate, Nicholas explained that number portability is part of a broader effort to modernise the telecommunications sector and ensure greater consumer protection.
He noted that the measure is intended to give customers more freedom of choice and encourage better service from mobile operators, who will have to work harder to retain subscribers once switching becomes easier.
Nicholas linked the progress on portability to the wider upgrades being made across the national communications network, including improvements to emergency response systems and radio communications.
He said the reforms are designed to strengthen service reliability and ensure that both public agencies and consumers benefit from a more competitive and technologically up-to-date telecom environment.
While he did not provide a specific launch date, Nicholas said the government is focused on completing the remaining steps and expects the system to be operational once all testing and inter-operator procedures are finalised.
Nicholas closed by assuring the public that the reform—delayed for several years—is now firmly on track, and that consumers will soon have the long-promised ability to keep their number when moving between mobile networks.
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