Commencement of Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

NIGERIAN Communications Commission (NCC) has set June 2012 for commencement of Mobile Number Portability (MNP).
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has called on the telecoms regulator to flag off the programme that will enable mobile phone users change operator without losing their unique number earlier this year
The growing trend of multiple mobile lines is also driving the market for dual SIM handsets in Nigeria. The group disagrees with the agency position that the ongoing SIM registration would have to be completed before mobile number portability can begin.
The association observed that the initial growth challenges of cost of ownership, coverage, accessibility and interconnectivity have all been reasonably addressed and offerings have also diversified to meet the ever growing needs of different market segments and niches.
Nigeria s telecoms regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has confirmed that the delayed Mobile Number Portability would be introduced in the second-half of this year, confirming earlier statements about the issue.
Mr. Earnest Ndukwe, former CEO of NCC, had set May 2009 as the date for the announcement of a timetable for MNP takeoff. On the mode of implementation, he said that the NCC would engage the services of an independent company to oversee the process. He also revealed that the local operators were on board and ready.
 The Nigerian mobile space has grown to be the biggest in Africa judging from the subscriber base and revenue. It remains attractive despite the high cost of doing business thrust upon us by poor infrastructure especially electricity. It is no more news that all the operators rely on diesel to run their business.
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is a very important concept because it addresses most of the challenges faced by subscribers. Mobile number portability (MNP) enables subscribers to preserve their numbers while switching to a different mobile network. It helps competition, facilitates consumer choice and ultimately reduces switching costs. Switching cost here does not refer to the amount paid to switch to another operator but a broader definition. It includes the cost of changing numbers on business cards, notifying family members, repainting business vans because of changed numbers, etc.
The NCC is thus very correct in its decision to implement MNP in Nigeria.
These programmes are implemented on three tiers, Capital cities, major urban centres, and the rural areas respectively.
This is a growing development that would be very fair to all when achieved.