Telco firms complete interoperability tests

Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI), the joint venture company of the country’s three mobile phone operators, has successfully completed the initial tests of their technical capabilities and interoperability ahead of the implementation of the number portability in September this year.

The joint effort will soon allow customers the option to keep their mobile numbers permanently, even when they change network providers or switch subscriptions.

Against the backdrop of the pandemic, the mobile network operators said the outcome of the initial technical tests are ‘within expectations’.

After the initial tests yielded positive results, the next steps will be to streamline the external porting process, implement fraud and security safeguards, optimize systems and backend business operations in time for a smoother and faster porting experience for customers by September 30, 2021.

By conducting a successful actual porting test,  Dito Telecommunity Corp., Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. secured initial insights and details on how to address remaining concerns and possible challenges, before making the service available to all customers.