Landline users in the UAE will soon be able to switch between operators without having to change their number, according to the local telecoms regulator.
The launch of 'fixed-number portability' in 2012 will allow consumers to choose between tariff packages offered by Etisalat and du, while keeping their existing landline number.
The two operators do not currently compete on landline and broadband services,because each is restricted to offering fixed-line services in certain areas.
But under an infrastructure-sharing deal, Etisalat and du are expected to start offering nationwide fixed-line services by the end of the year.
'Fixed-number portability' will follow a similar initiative for mobile numbers that is set to launch in the third quarter of this year, according to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).
"The first phase is going to be on all mobile numbers - pre-paid and post-paid," said Mohammed Al Ghanim, the director general of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
"In the future, we will upgrade the solution to include fixed-number portability," added Mr Ghanim. "It's a different phase, it will probably be next year."
The launch of 'mobile-number portability' was originally scheduled for the first quarter of this year, but has been delayed for technical reasons, Mr Al Ghanim said.
bflanagan@thenational.ae
