What you need to know about Globe Mobile Number Portability

Globe has recently launched its internal Mobile Number Portability (MNP). This covers all Postpaid to Prepaid, Prepaid to Postpaid, and Prepaid to Prepaid customer movements within Globe and TM brands. But what is it and how does it benefit us subscribers? Find out below.

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What is mobile number portability?

Mobile number portability, or MNP, as a global practice lets consumers retain their mobile numbers even when they switch networks or change their subscription from postpaid to prepaid and vice versa, free of charge.

Through MNP, consumers would have the power to choose and respond to quality, price, and other relevant considerations without the need to change their mobile numbers. For example, those who have been wanting to move from Prepaid to Postpaid (and vice versa) will finally be able to do so while keeping their original mobile number.

Mobile Number Portability Act

In the Philippines, the Republic Act 11202 or the Mobile Number Portability Act was signed into law last February 8, 2019. The NTC, however, released the implementing rules and regulations in June 2019, which took effect on July 2, 2019. The compliance period given to mobile service providers is within 6 months from July 2, which was in early 2020.

The Mobile Number Portability Act makes mobile numbers “portable,” ensuring consumers that they may keep their mobile numbers for free if they ever switch to a different telco provider or change their subscription plans from prepaid to postpaid (and vice versa). According to the measure, telco companies should allow their consumers to keep their mobile numbers free of charge.

Under the Mobile Number Portability Act, locking-in of a network to a mobile device is prohibited.

On December 26, 2019, Globe, together with PLDT/SMART and DITO Telecommunity, has obtained a mobile number portability service provider (MNPSP), Syniverse Technologies, in coordination with the NTC. The joint venture of Globe, Smart, and DITO estimates that interoperability of porting services may take 18 months from the time of set up of the support mechanism.

Furthermore, the scheduled Q1 2021 commercial launch of MNP had been delayed due to the pandemic. The NTC said that by September 30, 2021 31, customers of Globe and other telcos could keep their mobile numbers when switching networks.

Globe’s internal mobile number portability

In compliance with the RA 11202 or the Mobile Number Portability Act, the telco mentioned that Globe is moving forward with this initiative to allow its own customers to keep their mobile numbers even if they switch from Globe to TM and vice versa regardless of their existing subscriptions.

As the first telco to implement MNP, Globe has recently launched its internal mobile number portability (MNP) capability. Through this, Globe customers may now keep their primary numbers and experience the perks and services within the Globe network. Plus, they may also access their GCash and Globe Rewards app without the need to create a new account.

The telco currently supports internal porting of the following:

• Globe Prepaid or TM to Globe Postpaid
• Globe Postpaid to Globe Prepaid or TM
• Globe Prepaid to TM and vice versa

Eligibility

To port within the Globe network, you need to meet the following requirements:

• An Active SIM or mobile number
• Clear outstanding balance
• No porting transaction for the past 60 days
• No record of fraudulent activity

Note that only the owners (for consumers) and authorized representatives for businesses may apply for the internal porting.

How to apply for internal porting?

• For Prepaid and Postpaid customers:

1. Log in to your GlobeOne account, and go to Help Center.
2. Scroll down and select Switch My Number.
3. Select the brand you’ll be switching to.

4. Read the instructions on how porting works, then Continue.
5. Read important reminders, and click I agree.

6. Enter the 6-digit verification code to verify your account.
7. You’ll be redirected to Globe Shop to choose a plan. Fill out the digital application form to submit the request.

Prepaid and Postpaid customers may also apply for internal porting via Globe Store and their Platinum Relationship Manager.

• For Globe Business and Globe myBusiness customers:

Globe myBusiness

– Via Hotline: 121 (Prepaid to Postpaid)
– Via Chat (Postpaid to Prepaid)
– Via Account Manager for managed accounts

Globe Business

– Via Hotline: 7730-1288/2199 or 7730-1999
– Via Corporate Account Managers

Inter-network porting

The telco revealed that they are working together with other telecommunication companies in setting up external porting by 2021.

According to Globe, porting involves two types, internal and external. Internal porting means moving only within your mother network, while external porting or “inter-network porting” means bringing your number from your mother network to an outside network or vice versa. The network where you’re coming from is called the originating network, while the network where you’ll transfer to becomes the receiving network.

Once the telcos have finally set up external porting, here are the following criteria to port to Globe from another network:

• Have an active mobile number
• Mobile number shouldn’t be part of a bundled service or product
• There must be no pending request for the transfer of ownership of your mobile subscription
• Mobile number must not have other accounts under your subscription
• No porting request in the last 60 days
• No fraudulent activity
• No remaining balances from your previous postpaid bill or financial obligations
• Mobile number must not be linked to a device that is still locked with Globe.
• Mobile number must not be under any NTC, court, or law prohibition.

Check out the requirements to port from another network going to Globe:

• A valid unique subscriber code (USC)
• A government-issued ID
• Proof of ownership of your mobile number

The telco said that the overall porting process would take 48 hours after your application is approved. Check out the illustration below.

Photo credits: Globe

We expect more information about inter-network porting soon, once it has been fully implemented across networks, so stay tuned!

Sources: Globe, NTC