Kenya to introduce cell number portability

Kenya is set to allow cell phone number portability soon as the plans are at an advanced stage, The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) announced today.

Cell phone number portability is process of allowing cell phone users to switch from one operator to another without having to change their existing numbers.

A report by Business daily said the initiative will increase competition in the mobile phone services sector as subscribers will be able to move from one operator to the other without undergoing the loss of or ceasing to use, their number.

Charles Njoroge, the director general of CCK, said that number portability will enhance competition in the current multi-operator environment by providing consumers with the flexibility to choose the desired service provider in a seamless manner and without having to worry about the prospect of having to be out of contact with business associates, friends and family.

Currently, when a subscriber switches networks he has no choice but get a completely new number and lose the number given by the previous service provider.

However, service providers say operations may become more expensive because of the administrative and infrastructure costs that go with it.