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Telco operators set up multiple channels to ease mobile number portability [Gulf News (United Arab Emirates)](Gulf News (United Arab Emirates) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Dubai: Telecom operators etisalat and du are technically ready for the implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) and have set up multiple channels to facilitate the process and ensure a seamless transition, the two said in respective statements on Sunday. The MNP was to be implemented from December 22 according to a TRA's (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority) statement but the commercial launch date is now changed to Monday, December 30. MNP means that end users can keep their old numbers and yet switch to another telecom operator without any additional charges. "Since we announced our MNP awareness campaign on November 20, we were delighted to receive inputs from tens of thousands who have expressed their interest to move to our network via SMS or through the website. We are ready to welcome them soon to our family," Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Commercial Officer at du, told Gulf News. Both operators are ready for MNP and are set to receive customers from Monday at 8am. Active mobile subscribers in the UAE stood at 15.2 million as of the third quarter. Etisalat had 8.3 million while du had 6.89 million customers. Clearance But an industry source said the process was delayed as end users needed to get clearance from telco operators to get their numbers ported. As mandated by the TRA, operators can process up to 3,000 applications every day. Once ported, end users will get their new SIM card delivered to their doorstep. "We have trained 2,500 personnel at 51 du Shops or select authorised partner outlets to ensure a smooth customer experience at retail sales and customer care level," Al Hassawi said. Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) customers can submit their porting application at any of the 19 du shops offering business services. Etisalat has launched a toll-free number — 80099 — and staff trained specifically on MNP will also be posted at its sales centres. Du can be reached toll-free at 800 242643. Once end users submit the special porting request form along with the required documentation, they will be notified about the progress through SMS. (c) 2013 Al Nisr Publishing LLC . All rights reserved. Provided by Syndigate.info, an Albawaba.com company |