Russian citizens started applying for mobile number portability

On December 1 in accordance with the law “On introducing alterations in Federal Law “About communication” and article 333 of the Tax Code of Russian Federation the mobile number portability (MNP) service was launched on December 1.

According to the data of Central research institute of communication, 200 requests for mobile number portability have been already submitted. Operators have fixed terms of mobile number portability for their subscribers. The strict terms for all operators will be introduced from April 15, 2014. The MNP service is used in 65 countries around the world.

Russia has now started using this international standard. It is expected that such measures will help to improve communication quality and develop mobile networks. According to different sociological studies, 15-25 per cent of subscribers are willing to change operators. From December 1, 2013, any subscriber can come to other operator with passport and fill in an application form. When the contract is signed and all debts are paid, the subscriber gets a SIM card with a temporary number that will be changed for one to be used after all operational procedures.

After April 15, 2014 terms of mobile number portability will make 8 days.