Mobile Number Portability Regulations, 2014

Regulations allow mobile subscribers to switch operators while keeping their phone numbers. They target subscribers and network operators by setting processes for number retention and porting. This promotes competition and consumer choice in telecommunications.

What Is This Policy?

Regulations that allow mobile subscribers in Nigeria to switch from one network operator to another while retaining their existing phone number, promoting competition and consumer choice in the telecommunications market.

Who Does It Target?

Mobile telephone subscribers Mobile network operators NCC regulatory staff The Mobile Number Portability (MNP) clearing house operator

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Enhance competition in the mobile telecommunications market by removing the barrier of number change when switching operators, giving consumers the freedom to choose providers based on service quality and price.

Key Features

Number Retention: Subscribers keep their existing mobile number when moving to a new operator Porting Process: Defined procedure and timeline for completing a port request Consumer Protections: Prohibition of porting without subscriber consent and right to return Operator Obligations: Timely processing of port requests and cooperation with the clearing house Porting Window: Maximum time allowed for completing a successful port

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active since April 2013 Coverage: All mobile network operators in Nigeria Lead Agency: NCC Clearing House: Independent entity managing the technical porting process

How to Access

Subscribers initiate porting through a simple SMS process. Send a porting request SMS as prescribed by the NCC Receive a Porting Authorization Code (PAC) Present the PAC to the new (receiving) operator Porting is completed within the prescribed timeframe

Official Resources

Website: ncc.gov.ng Contact: Nigerian Communications Commission, Abuja

Legal Framework

The Mobile Number Portability Regulations 2014 are issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. They operate alongside the NCC Licensing Regulations, the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018. International alignment is with the ITU's guidelines on mobile number portability implementation and GSMA Number Portability Technical Framework standards.