Singapore Introduces True Phone Number Portability Law

Singapore subscribers for both fixed lines and mobile (prepaid and postpaid) lines can switch their phone company without loosing their existing phone number as per the new Singapore law that became effective on June 13, 2008. In other words, you get to keep your existing phone number even if you switch operators.

Although Singapore was one of the first country to introduce number portability for mobile telephones in 1997, the feature was implemented using a call forwarding solution to number porting. The new true number portability became a realty with the implementation of a Centralised Number Portability Database Solution, as proposed by the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore.

After application to the new phone company, users can enjoy the new network’s services the next day on the same existing phone number. If you are under contract with existing operator, you still need to honor it or pay the penaty for breaking it before you can switch. 

Leong Keng the Deputy Chief Executive and Director-General of Info-communications Development Authority (IDA) says, “Full Number Portability is expected to bring about a sea-change in Singapore’s telecommunications market. Consumers will be empowered with greater flexibility to choose from the offerings from mobile operators.”

With the new freedom the Full Number Portability brings to subscribers, Singapore’s network providers are launching aggressive campaigns to attract new subscribers and dissuade old subscribers to switch networks. At the recent PC Bazaar Show held at Suntec City, the phone networks’ booths are raining with free smartphones and other new promos and freebies. Free talk time sharing, free unlimited outgoing calls and free IDD are just some of the perks the telcos are offering to withstand the arrival Full Number Portability in Singapore. This is all good news for consumers.