Mobile subscribers in Kenya will change networks without having to change their subscriber numbers come April 1, 2011.

The four mobile operators today signed an agreement committing themselves to facilitate implementation of the service, technically known as Mobile Number Portability (MNP), by that date.  

MNP was initially scheduled to be in operation by December 31 this year but consultations with operators revealed that industry players were not at the same level in terms of acquiring the required equipment and carrying out initial tests to guarantee seamless customer experience.

The go alive date for the service was therefore deferred to April next year. 
According to the agreement signed today, the cost of switching networks shall be Shs173 per port during the first year of operation.

Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) Director-General Mr. Charles J.K. Njoroge said implementation of number portability would bolster competition in the mobile telephony market and improve quality of services. It is also expected to level the playing ground for all operators in the market. 

“Changing subscriber numbers can be a major inconvenience at both the individual and business levels.  This is because our subscriber or telephone numbers have now come to be considered as part of our identity, and any change affects the circle of friends, family, acquaintances and business associates.

“For businesses, changes in telephone contacts is even more inconveniencing given the costs involved in printing new stationery and communicating the changes to clients, which more often than not includes advertising,” said the Director-General.

Click here for the full Statement of CCK Director General