Telephone Numbers Can Now Transfer Between Service Providers

28 April 2017 -The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), is pleased to advise the public that Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is now a reality having been launched yesterday. Scores of consumers in The Bahamas were able to successfully ‘port’ their existing numbers between service providers yesterday morning.

URCA was notified that around 12:20pm yesterday, the system began to experience some problems in that messages between operators were not delivered within the time frames required and stipulated in the rules. The operators and third party clearing house are working to resolve the issues and we understand that ports are being processed normally. The porting process should normally take no more than 2 hours, however we do ask consumers to be patient in the event that their request to port takes a little more time while the operators work to address any kinks.

URCA is satisfied that both providers namely BTC and Aliv, are actively working to ensure that ‘kinks’ in the system are resolved as quickly as possible. URCA will continue to monitor the roll out of MNP and will provide updates to the public as necessary.

Mobile Number Portability (NP) enables persons to keep their telephone number(s) when switching providers and was made possible following the introduction of cellular mobile competition.

We apologize for any inconvenience consumers may experience during the initial roll out period of MNP.