Sen. Lacson bill gives subscribers choice to keep mobile numbers

Mobile phone subscribers will be able to enjoy uniform rates from all service providers and have the option to keep their phone numbers even after switching plans or networks, if Senator Panfilo Lacson's bill is passed into law.   Senate Bill 3103 or the Mobile Telephone Number Portability Act (MTNP) of 2012 requires service providers to impose a uniform rate for all calls and text messages.   It also mandates telcos to give users with no existing liabilities or unliquidated obligations the option to retain their numbers in the following instances:  

• switching from one service provider to another as long as the subscriber and phone number are registered with the provider

• switching from a mobile postpaid account to a mobile prepaid account or the other way around.

  "The MTNP Act will only serve to improve the level of service being offered by the different network providers operating in the country. More importantly, the millions of Filipino subscribers will now enjoy the ease and convenience of maintaining their mobile number should they decide to do so," said Lacson in the bill's explanatory note.   SB 3101 is pending in the committee level. — Kimberly Tan/VS, GMA News