House OKs Mobile Portability Act on final reading

A bill allowing phone users to retain their mobile number at no extra cost if they switch from one service provider to another is a step closer to becoming a law after the House of Representatives unanimously approved it on third and final reading, Monday.

Voting 216-0-0, the lower chamber approved House Bill 7652 or the Mobile Number Portability Act.

Once enacted into law, phone users would also be allowed to retain their mobile number if they change from being a prepaid to postpaid subscriber.

This feature, however, could only be availed if the subscriber has duly registered his or her name and mobile number with the originating service provider and if the subscriber has no existing liability or outstanding obligations with the service provider.

All public telecommunications entities (PTEs) would also be required to provide this service for free, to set up a mechanism for its implementation, and to maintain the confidentiality of information obtained.

Fines ranging from P100,000 to P1 million await violators. The PTE’s franchise may also be revoked. /ee