Mobile users will soon enjoy mobile number portability (MNP)1 without having to pay recurrent monthly service fees, under a new mandate by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA). Mobile operators are also required to provide short message service (SMS)2 portability for ported subscribers...
Singapore, 21 June 2003 | For Immediate Release
Mobile users will soon enjoy mobile number portability (MNP)1 without having to pay recurrent monthly service fees, under a new mandate by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA). Mobile operators are also required to provide short message service (SMS)2 portability for ported subscribers.
IDA's MNP mandate was announced today by Dr Lee Boon Yang, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts at the Launch of e-Celebrations 20033. Minister Lee said, "The new MNP requirements will give consumers more freedom and flexibility to choose the mobile phone services and products that best serve their needs. It will remove what could be a hindrance to consumers switching operators and therefore generate further competition in the mobile market to benefit all consumers."
Currently, consumers have to pay a one-time registration fee and recurrent monthly fees for MNP services. IDA has mandated that mobile operators stop charging customers MNP monthly fees from 1 August 2003. Mobile operators may charge a one-time administrative fee for MNP services, subject to IDA's approval.
IDA has also required that mobile operators provide SMS service for ported subscribers. Currently, consumers who choose to retain their mobile numbers after switching operators are not able to receive SMS sent to their retained mobile numbers. With IDA's mandate, mobile operators need to upgrade their MNP systems to cater to SMS portability. The enhanced MNP systems will be ready by 1 October 2003.
The full transcript of Minister Lee Boon Yang's speech at the Launch of e-Celebrations 2003 can be found at https://www.imda.gov.sg/ under the sections "Speeches".
ISSUED BY CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIVISION
INFOCOMM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF SINGAPORE
Notes to Editor:
1 Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is the ability for mobile subscribers to retain their current mobile phone numbers and receive phone calls at their current mobile phone numbers when they change mobile operators. While IDA had mandated MNP in Apr 1997, it had also adopted a technology-neutral approach, where mobile operators were left to decide on the most appropriate and cost effective technical solution for MNP requirements.
2 Short message service (SMS) is a service available on GSM networks. It allows text messages, with a maximum of 160 characters, to be sent to or received by mobile phones.
3 Launched in 2000, e-Celebrations is a national campaign which promotes the benefits of an e-lifestyle and how Infocomm can be adopted to enhance work, learning and leisure, through a series of public events and activities.
About Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) is a dynamic organisation with an integrated perspective to developing, promoting and regulating info-communications in Singapore. In the fast-changing and converging spheres of telecommunications, information and media technologies, IDA will be the catalyst for change and growth in Singapore's evolution into a vibrant global info-communications technology centre. For more information, visit https://www.imda.gov.sg/
For media clarification, please contact:
Ms Cindy Christine Kong
Manager, Corporate Communication
Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore
Tel: (65) 6211 1997
Fax: (65) 6211 2227
Email: cindy_christine_kong@imda.gov.sg
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