The UAE announced an easing of number portability for toll-free services, with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) launching a new toll-free number – 800 – for portability service from one service provider to another.
The move is aimed at enhancing competition among telecom service providers, expanding the range of options for customers without changing their phone numbers.
TDRA launched the fixed number portability service in 2021, under which more than 12,000 fixed numbers have been ported between service providers.
These initiatives are a continuation of the mobile number portability service launched by TDRA in 2013, under which more than 2 million numbers were ported.
Mohammed Al Ramsi, Deputy Director General for the telecom sector, said the number portability service in the mobile, fixed and toll-free services were aimed at stepping up services and offers by telecom service providers.
“TDRA assesses its services and improves them on a regular basis. TDRA is also keen to receive suggestions and comments from customers, study them and benefit from them in providing new services that meet the aspirations and expectations of customers,” he said.
The number portability requires the customer to follow certain steps, including paying the bills due with the current service provider, and the number must not be partially or fully disconnected. After the porting process is completed, the customer will be given a grace period for settling his/her contractual financial obligations and paying the applicable due fees.
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