TRA unleashes consumers' freedom of choice

Number Portability becomes a reality, from July 17, 2011

Number portability can be conducted an endless number of times and through a convenient consumer-oriented process

Manama,Kingdom of Bahrain - Saturday 16 July 2011

Number PortabilityNow a Reality
With the aim ofproviding consumers more flexibility in choosing a telecommunications serviceprovider that suits their requirements, the Telecommunications RegulatoryAuthority's (TRA) much anticipated Number Portability service (the ability tomove between operators and keep the same phone number) becomes a realitystarting from tomorrow for mobile telephony (and for fixed telephony from 4October 2011).

Number Portability isone of the initiatives that helps deliver the TRA vision of a communicationsenvironment that enriches the social and commercial fabric of the Kingdom ofBahrain, and enables innovative competition between service providers toimprove quality of service as well as innovative service offerings and enhancedconsumer experience.

During the pressconference, TRA Chairman Dr. Mohammed Al Amer said, "Starting from tomorrow, NPbecomes a reality and the shift towards a consumer-centric telecom industry inBahrain is born. The initiative was created to end any obstacles that consumersface when making decisions on competitive telecom operators. They will nowenjoy the freedom to transfer their numbers freely, through a convenientprocess. Moreover, this service will help stimulate competition amongtelecommunications companies, breaking any form of monopoly, and serving the developmentof the local market.

In this context, we expect the percentage of participants wishing to transfertheir numbers up to 20% of the total number of mobile subscribers in theKingdom of Bahrain."

TRA's GeneralDirector Mr. Mohamed Bubashait said, "Offering flexibility and choice forconsumers in selecting their telecommunications operators will drive competition,asoperators focus on building loyalty as well as implementing truly customer-centricapproaches to their business. This is a very important step for Bahrain thatwill boost competition in the mobile and fixed telephony markets."

Mr. Bubashait went onto say, "We have taken into consideration international best practices in termsof both technical implementation as well as appointing the right partnersthrough both transparent and objective processes. We are very excited aboutthis significant milestone and expect a positive response from consumers."

Details of NumberPortability Process:

· Numberscan be moved as many times as a subscriber wishes, and at any time, including minutesafter creating a new account or after already transferring to a differentprovider.

· Numberportability is 'recipient-led', where subscribers only need to contact the newoperator.

· Oncea subscriber decides to move, the old operator may not directly contact thesubscriber, with the purpose of trying to convince the subscriber to return,for a period of 3 months.

· Subscribersare still liable for outstanding dues and financial obligations, includingsubsidies and installments, to their old operator.

· Portingtakes place within 1-3 days for mobile, and 1-6 days for fixed telephony.

· Mobilesubscribers are given a new SIM card upon transferring to a new operator.

· Maximumporting charges will be BHD 4 for mobile, and BHD 6 for fixed telephony.

Commenting on theimplemented system for Number Portability, TRA's ICT Director Mr. AhmedAldoseri said "We have created a system that prioritises 'convenience' forconsumers. Numbers can be ported with ease and freedom. We lookforward to creating a ripple effect of increased competition throughout the telecommunicationsmarket in Bahrain."

Mr. Aldoseri also praisedthe hard work and efforts of the team that has made number portability areality in Bahrain, and reiterated, "The Authority has certainly designed anaward-winning framework for portability in the Kingdom of Bahrain".

History of NumberPortability Project

In February 2008, followinga comprehensive strategic and retail market review, Number Portability was highlightedas a measure required to boost competition in the telecommunications market.The TRA then appointed, through a competitive tender, Mott-MacDonald and HorrocksTechnology to assist in the development of Number Portability Regulation.

Following a publicconsultation with the industry and the general public, TRA published its final NumberPortability regulation on April 27, 2010 with a mandate for mobile licensedoperators to implement Mobile Number Portability within 6 months from issuingnumber portability technical specifications. Fixed licensed operators aremandated to implement fixed Number Portability within 8 months.

The main technicalspecifications developed and implemented include the Number Portability ProcessSpecification, the Central System Specification and the Routing and ChargingSpecification. All the Specifications were issued on 31 October 2010.

Systor IntereuropeSystems was chosen as a solution provider for the implementation and operationof the Number Portability Central System, which is a key component of theprocess responsible for coordinating the exchange of messages between LicensedOperators as well as maintaining the authoritative database of ported numbersand performance metrics of all Licensed Operators. This system allows TRA toensure that the rights and responsibilities of all parties affected by numberportability are upheld.

The Number Portabilitycentral system is being hosted by the Bahrain Internet Exchange (BIX), whichfacilitates the ease of access by all operators.

-Ends-

AboutTRA
Since its establishmentin 2002, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the Kingdom of Bahrain(TRA) has been working with government, consumers, operators and investors todevelop a communications environment that enriches the social and commercialfabric of the Kingdom of Bahrain. As an exemplary Regulator for the region, TRAindependently carries out its duties in a transparent and non-discriminatorymanner. More information about TRA can be viewed at www.tra.org.bh

MediaContact
Abdulelah Abdulla
CommunicationsManager
Tel:+973 17 520000
Mobile:+973 36368555
Fax:+973 17 532125
Email: aabdulla@tra.org.bh