PR90678

MANILA, Philippines, July 16, 2021 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

The Philippines' major Mobile Network Operators (MNO) namely DITO, Globe

Telecom and Smart Communications are one with the government in the

implementation of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Act and through their

joint venture company, Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI) has

successfully concluded the initial tests of their technical capabilities and

interoperability last July 14, 2021.

The joint effort will soon allow customers the option to keep their mobile

numbers permanently, even when they change network providers or switch

subscriptions.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic, the MNOs said the outcome of

these initial technical tests are 'within expectations'. After the initial

tests yielded positive results, the next steps will be to streamline the

external porting process, implement fraud and security safeguards, optimize

systems and backend business operations in time for a smoother and faster

porting experience for customers by September 30, 2021.

By conducting a successful actual porting test, DITO, Globe and Smart secured

initial insights and details on how to address remaining concerns and possible

challenges, before making the service available to all customers.

DITO, Globe and Smart have worked diligently to meet the July commitment with

the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to achieve initial technical

readiness, before the actual interporting demonstration with the telco

regulator, a key milestone in the MNP process.

"As the newest player in the industry, we truly are excited to provide this

service to Filipinos wherever they may be. When we entered the industry, it

really was to encourage competition and innovation. With the Mobile Number

Portability Act, we have broken down barriers and have given the Filipinos the

power of convenience to finally switch to their preferred service provider,"

said Atty. Adel Tamano, DITO Chief Administrative Officer.

"The initial tests gave us a clearer view of the customer experience when they

avail of the MNP, including the experience of customers as they interport to

Globe numbers from other networks and vice versa. We learned a lot in the

process and we will apply them to make the transition easy and seamless for our

customers once the MNP becomes available to all," said Issa Guevarra-Cabreira,

Globe Chief Commercial Officer.

"We are working doubly hard with our counterparts from Globe and DITO to comply

with the requirements. This is aligned with our company's direction:

customer-centricity as our True North. We have always been at the forefront of

using technology to create better experiences for everyone, and the successful

initial tests will help us understand and recalibrate our systems and

processes, so we can make the MNP experience simple and easy for our customers.

After all, making things simple, using technology, is at the core of the Smart

brand promise," said Jane J. Basas, Smart Senior Vice President and Head of

Consumer Wireless Business.

Republic Act No. 11202, also known as the Mobile Number Portability Act,

ensures that mobile phone users can keep their numbers even when they transfer

to another service provider, or when they switch their subscription from

postpaid to prepaid, or vice-versa.

About DITO Telecommunity Corporation

DITO Telecommunity Corporation, formerly known as Mindanao Islamic Telephone

Company, Inc. (MISLATEL) is the newest major telecommunications company in the

Philippines after it was awarded a Certificate of Public Convenience and

Necessity by the National Telecommunications Commission in 2019. Commercially

launched on 8 March 2021, DITO commits to provide world class, fast,

affordable, and secure, telecommunications services that connect the Filipino

people situated in more than 7,641 islands to the rest of the global community.

DITO is a Filipino company and is a consortium that includes Udenna

Corporation, Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure, and China Telecommunications

Corporation.

About Globe Telecom

Globe is a leading full-service telecommunications company in the Philippines

and publicly-listed in the PSE with the stock symbol GLO. The company serves

the telecommunications and technology needs of consumers and businesses across

an entire suite of products and services including mobile, fixed, broadband,

data connectivity, internet and managed services. It has major interests in

financial technology, digital marketing solutions, venture capital funding for

startups, and virtual healthcare. In 2019, Globe became a signatory to the

United Nations Global Compact, committing to implement universal sustainability

principles.  Its principals are Ayala Corporation and Singtel, acknowledged

industry leaders in the country and in the region.

About Smart Communications, Inc.

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly-owned wireless communications

and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, Inc., the Philippines' largest fully

integrated telecommunications company.  To date, Smart's mobile network covers

96% of the Philippine population from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. Smart has also been

named as the country's fastest mobile data network in the second half of 2020

by third party analytics firm Ookla. Smart also recently scored a rare sweep in

the April 2021 Philippines Mobile Network Experience Awards by independent

analytics firm Opensignal. These efforts are also part of the company's

commitment to helping the Philippines attain the United Nations' 17 Sustainable

Development Goals, including SDG no. 4: Quality Education and SDG no. 9:

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Source: Globe Telecom, DITO Telecommunity Corporation, Smart Communications,

Inc.