Sure, the mobile phone service from Cable &
Wireless, have welcomed news of progress in the introduction of
mobile number portability (MNP).
MNP is the term used to define a system
allowing customers to keep their existing number when moving
between operators. The JCRA’s own research indicated that 91% of
islanders surveyed felt it would be important or very important to
keep their number if switching operator. Sure mobile has identified
that lack of MNP is a particular issue for business customers, with
a large number of small to medium sized enterprises feeling unable
to change to a better value mobile network.
The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority
(JCRA) has now confirmed its proposal from May that MNP will be a
licence condition for Jersey’s telecoms operators from
12thSeptember 2007. The island’s three operators will be
required to introduce MNP from the earliest reasonably practical
date, and in any event by no later than 12th February
2008.
Mark Briers, Marketing Director of Sure mobile
in Channel Islands & Isle of Man, commented:
"We are delighted that there is progress towards introducing MNP in
Jersey. It will be of long term benefit to the island, enabling all
customers and particularly businesses, to freely move to the mobile
operator of their choice. We have already done a lot of the work
needed to introduce MNP, so a five month timetable is easily
achievable. Clearly the challenge now is for the JCRA to stay
involved in the process to ensure that Jersey Telecom creates no
further delays."