Mobile Number Portability takes effect today, September 30, in the Philippines, and telecoms have now detailed their portals and methods for switching inter-and intra-network. We list them all down for your reference.
Under the Republic Act No. 11202, users can keep their mobile numbers when transferring to a new network or when they want to switch from postpaid to prepaid. After delays, the three networks (DITO, Globe, and Smart) have jointly announced that they will launch the mobile number portability scheme on September 30.
A checklist you have to remember
While transferring seems to be a lot easy, there are guidelines that you must follow, and important things you need to know. Here are some of them:
- Mobile Number Portability is FREE OF CHARGE according to law. Telcos will only charge you for SIM Delivery.
- Accomplish the portability request on a period where you will not be expecting any important calls or messages. I learned this the hard way as several people cannot reach me via call during the period I requested for number portability from Postpaid to Prepaid.
- REQUIREMENTS for Mobile Number Portability include the following:
- A Valid government ID
- Proof of Mobile ownership (SIM Bed, SIM card’s Official Receipt with MIN, PUK Slip)
- Unique Subscriber Code (you’ll get this when you SMS the keyword USC to 5050, and is valid only for 15 days upon issuance).
- Financial documents and/or downpayment (If you’re switching from Prepaid to Postpaid)
- Also keep in mind that these are required before requesting, otherwise your application will be declined:
- If you are coming from a Postpaid account, you must not have any outstanding financial obligation with your Mobile Service Provider
- Your mobile number is not locked to any Mobile Service Provider
- You have no other porting request in the last 60 days
- Your mobile number is not prohibited from porting by a court of law
- You have not been blacklisted by a Mobile Service Provider due to previous fraudulent activities
- Your mobile number must not have a pending transfer of mobile number ownership request.
- Your mobile number is not part of any product or service bundle.
How to switch to another network via Mobile Number Portability
Telcos have different ways of processing applications for mobile number portability, but the procedures are all the same. Check them out here:
DITO Telecommunity
DITO has opened a FAQ sheet on their website for MNP inquiries. Here’s what we got:
- DITO requires that you must have a DITO-compatible phone as they operate on the 4G VoLTE space. See this page for a list of compatible phones.
- DITO also recommends to be at where they are currently available to enjoy the maximum benefits of their network. See this page for a lost of network coverage areas.
- No online portal is available as of this time, but you can apply for MNP either through a DITO Experience Stores or make an online request through the DITO App. If you visit a DITO Experience Store, make sure to bring all requirements needed.
- DITO will provide you with a new DITO SIM with your current number attached. Simply follow the activation instructions by connecting it to your DITO app upon first use.
Globe Telecom
To get started with Globe’s MNP porting, here’s what you will have to do:
- For those coming from other networks and will move to Globe or TM, you’ll need to visit Globe’s own MNP portal to get started
- They’ll ask you to fill out a customer information sheet. To check on your Unique Subscriber Code, you’ll need to text the keyword USC and send to 5050.
- Confirm your free SIM order, but keep in mind that there will be a SIM Delivery Charge.
- Once these steps are done, you will receive a response to your number porting request within 24 to 48 hours. If approved, you’ll also receive an SMS containing SIM delivery details.
Globe is offering a welcome kit of free 2GB mobile data valid for 7 days, another 1GB (7-day validity) if you load at least PHP 50 within 3 days, and 1GB (also valid for 7 days) every month, for the next three months, if you reach a reload amount of PHP 300 per month for all new transferees from other networks.
Globe Postpaid/Platinum to Globe/TM Prepaid: You’ll need to apply via the GlobeOne app and switch from there. A Globe representative will call you to finalize the decision and will process your request. There are no additional SIM cards needed.
Globe/TM Prepaid to Postpaid/Platinum: If you are coming from Globe/TM Prepaid and want to retain your number as you switch to a Globe Postpaid or Platinum plan, simply mention to a Globe Customer Service Representative that you wish to do so. The option is also now live for those applying for postpaid plans online at Globe Shop. No additional SIMs will be needed.
Smart Communications
Smart also allows Globe Platinum customers to transfer directly to an equivalent or near-comparable Smart Infinity Plan, along with the other intra-network telco switches. If you are planning to transfer to Smart, these are the steps to follow:
- Visit x.smart/switch and follow the instructions provided on the website.
- The steps will be the same with Globe, so keep in mind to follow them as well.
Smart Postpaid/Infinity to Smart/TNT Prepaid, and vice versa: You will need to do the process in a Smart Store. Smart is asking its existing subscribers to book an appointment at a Smart Store nearest them for further assistance.
We hope that this helped with your plans to switch to another network. Let us know if the steps were easy and helpful for you by commenting below.
