True number portability delayed to 2008

[Tarzan666]

No leh..they dun charge me...its bit inconvenient though..if pple call me.they will hear message say tis my new num etc..

[Sniperben]

this is called number retention. many people is using number retention now, but not when 2008 come. i am also eager to switch service provider.

[Lightfinger]

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BT 16/6

 

MOBILE phone users fed up with their operator will have to be patient for at least another six months as true number portability has been postponed to next year.

 

But at least the appointment of Syniverse Technologies as the centralised database administrator was made yesterday, which is necessary for implementing true number portability - when you will be able to switch to another telco and hang on to your number.

 

An Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) statement yesterday said it has appointed Syniverse Technologies as the administrator. Six companies had bid for the job.

 

'The true number portability solution, which is expected to be ready by the second quarter of 2008, will allow consumers to retain full use of their existing phone numbers, rather than having to update their contacts about a new one,' the IDA said.

 

From 1 January 2008, consumers who wish to port their fixed line numbers will also no longer need to pay monthly recurring porting fees, just like how it has been for the porting of mobile numbers since 2003, the IDA said. Last year, the IDA said implementation of true number portability would be in the fourth quarter of this year.

 

An IDA spokeswoman said the delay was to give operators more time to get their networks ready.

 

The mobile and fixed line operators had provided feedback that they would need a reasonable amount of time to conduct and complete the extensive works and tests, she said. 'The operators have also raised their concerns on the need to minimise network changes and system testings during the end-year and beginning-year festive periods, as these periods usually experience heavy voice and data traffic.'

 

In this way, consumers will have fewer concerns when deciding their most suitable telecoms service providers, and thus enjoy greater service choices as mobile and fixed line operators are spurred to offer more attractive packages to retain and gain new customers, it said.

 

IDA deputy chief exeutive and director-general (Telecoms) Leong Keng Thai said that once true number portability kicks off, 'Singapore's telecoms market should expect to see even greater competition among the mobile and the fixed line operators'.

 

New York-listed Syniverse Technologies will operate the centralised database system for seven years starting with the launch of true number portability.

 

On its website, Syniverse Technologies said its solutions are used in more than 350 communications companies in over 50 countries to provide seamless mobile services by making it possible for disparate technologies and standards to inter-operate.

 

Expected

[Tarzan666]

say if 2008 come..can i retain my old num instead of new 1?

[Sniperben]

i think there will be some option available to user like you. but i am not so sure of it. my friend who own a mobile shop told me about this. say hear only.

[Flight_skoda]

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Same here, waiting to switch from Starhub to Singtel, cos their corporate rates and procedures are better for my case.

For me, SH rates work best for me, almost 5 year already.

[Andrewl]

Good for you. Initially I was enticed by their freebies by signing up two services...but every free gift comes with a cost so guess I'm paying more in other areas.

[Davidklt]

Customer service and loyalty rewards is virtually not existence in the red camp.

 

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That bad mehz? I have all 3 companies' lines and I reckoned Singtel's to be quite good lehz.

[Landex]

hmm.. currently wif sh...

 

the only gd points r dat they charge by per sec n free incomin whole day..

 

[Landex]

exactly... it sounds so unfofessional.. esp if one is in sales...