More mobile phone operators appear to be welcoming calls for the introduction of mobile phone number portability. The system allows mobile phone users to freely move from one network to another and yet maintain the same number and code from the original network. The latest operator to join calls for its introduction is the new entrants Zain. It’s Director of Corporate and External Affairs Carmen Bruce Annan tells Joy Business, as a company, they are committed to any process that allows subscribers to freely switch networks. Managing Director of Kasapa Telecom Bob Parlitz says the introduction of the service in Ghana is long overdue, insisting it could have “done more for the Ghanaian consumer than the introduction of new competitors.” “As far as I am concerned, there is no reason it shouldn’t be in place and working by the end of next year, 2010. This talk about 2011, 2012… is obstructionism,” he said. However market leaders MTN believes Ghana shouldn’t lose sight of challenges that comes with the introduction of service. External Communications Manager at MTN Ghana, Afua Falconer said government must intensify education on the challenges and benefits of the programme. Already Vodafone Ghana has also hinted their commitment to the introduction of the service. The Regulators of the telecoms market, the National Communication Authority (NCA), on the other hand, say they are putting the necessary regulations in place to aid the introduction of the service by 2011. Currently only South Africa and Egypt have introduced the service. Credit: Joy Business/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana