House passes mobile number portability bill on 3rd reading

THE HOUSE of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill allowing mobile phone subscribers to switch networks without changing their numbers.
With 216 affirmative votes, zero negatives and no abstentions, the chamber approved House Bill 7652, “Mobile Number Portability,” which will require all Public Telecommunications Entities (PTEs) to provide subscribers the option to retain their current mobile numbers when changing networks, free of charge.
PTEs will also “set up a mechanism for the implementation of MNP and not to install network features, functions or capabilities that will impede implementation of the nationwide MNP system.”
PTEs also need to ensure the confidentiality of all information obtained, in compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
The new entity providing telecommunication services is required to activate the subscriber’s ported number within 24 hours.
The old provider, meanwhile, must transmit the notice of clearance to the new provider within 24 hours upon receipt of request for porting.
Penalties for failure to comply with the bill include a fine of P100,000 to P300,000 on first offense; P400,000 to 600,000 on second; and P700,000 to P1 million on third, plus the revocation of the PTE franchise.
Its counterpart measure, Senate Bill 1636, passed on third reading on Feb. 19 and was transmitted to the House of Representatives. — Charmaine A. Tadalan