New era of portability for mobile phone users

Mobile phone users across the country will be able to change their provider and keep their number from 8am on Monday.

ABU DHABI // Mobile phone users will be able to switch between Etisalat and du without changing their number from 8am on Monday.

Changing providers involves visiting the branch of the operator you wish to change to and requesting that your number is moved over. The providers say the whole process should take less than a day.

Etisalat and du are each permitted to transfer up to 3,000 numbers a day.

The scheme is aimed at “promoting greater levels of competition in the mobile operator market, and improving the level of service available for consumers”, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority said.

Phone users believe it will improve efficiency and cut costs.

"I prefer Etisalat as I believe they have a better 4G coverage in the UAE and have competitive rates and packages," said Ahmed Waheed, a Pakistani IT worker who has lived in Dubai since 1977.

“The service is also pretty good and I haven’t had any issues in the last 15 or more years that I’ve been with them. I have to say Etisalat always had the best coverage in my opinion but now they also have good packages which makes it even better.”

Mr Waheed has had experience with both providers.

"I used du around four years ago as a second number but discontinued as I didn't want to keep two numbers and preferred to stay with Etisalat.

“With my number portability the telco market will get competitive and we as consumers get to benefit.”

Zayed University student Myriam Al Dhaher, 21, also welcomed the scheme. She’s been with Etisalat since she was 13, but recently has had a number of issues with the phone operator.

“After I got an iPhone I noticed my bill increasing dramatically to over Dh1,000 a month. Later I found they were charging me for two plans without ever informing me. Even after cancelling all my plans they were still charging me. I am seriously considering switching to du now.

“Its great we have this option and it continues the advanced services telecommunication companies are now offering in the UAE,” she said.

Both providers offer prepaid and contract deals, with special rates for Emiratis and businesses.

Du announced on Sunday that changing provider would not incur additional charges other than the standard activation fee, but warned prepaid customers that any outstanding credit on their accounts will not be carried forward.

“The time to embrace change is here,” said Fahad Al Hassawi, chief commercial officer at du.

“We are ready and have made a lot of preparations to roll out a user friendly, convenient and hassle free process for customers to switch to du. We are looking forward to welcoming new users to the du family.”

Khaled El Khouly, chief marketing officer at Etisalat, said the company welcomed the scheme “as it will serve as an incentive for further progress and development for us and enable customers to benefit from improved quality and variety of services”.

Inquiries about switching to du can be made on 800 242643, and for Etisalat on 80099.