Subscribers of mobile networks will from the beginning of next month be able to move to another network whilst maintaining their original number. Number portability, as it is known will allow subscribers to switch their networks. It is one of the reasons for the ongoing SIM registration exercise which has proven quite controversial in recent times because of the fear many mobile phone users would be struck out of the system for failing to register their numbers. Ahead of the July date for the take-off, the Communications Ministry has been meeting with heads of the various telecom companies, Parliament’s Committee on Subsidiary Legislation and the National Communications Authority on the legislative instrument that would back mobile number portability. Though the legislative instrument is currently before Parliament, Communications Minister Haruna Iddrisu is confident it will be passed in good time. He told Joy Business the essence of the exercise is to enhance service quality and competition. “What Mobile Number Portability does is that it deepens competition; it improves quality of service; operators are now obliged to heed to the complaints of subscribers and respect them as kings, as consumers,” he explained. Meanwhile, Joy Business has learnt some test runs carried out last Thursday and Friday among all the mobile operators has proven extremely successful. Source: Joy Business/Ghana