The current number portability solution allows you to retain your original number via a call-forwarding method. Calls to your original number are routed to the one given by your new service provider. However, there are limitations to this solution. For instance, those you call will only see your newly assigned number, and MMSes cannot be received on your original number. Full mobile number portability works via a centralised database solution to eliminate such limitations.

The full mobile number portability approach will also allow for better management of number resources, which is finite.

In time, consumers can also benefit from having a wider selection of numbers when they sign up for a second mobile plan.

As full mobile number portability will offer greater convenience to those who switch operators, we are migrating all to this new solution.

While the current call-forwarding number portability solution was never meant to be a double mobile line facility, we continue to encourage operators to work with consumers under this current solution who wish to retain both numbers, to ease their transition to full mobile number portability.

We believe full mobile number portability will bring about a sea-change in Singapore's mobile market as operators work harder to attract or keep customers with more innovative and competitive mobile deals. In this environment, the biggest beneficiaries will ultimately be consumers.

Ho Hwei Ling (Ms)
Assistant Director
Corporate & Marketing Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore