Well almost…
Number portability simply means that you can use your number on any network. So if you have had the same number for 10 years, say on MTN, you can move it to Glo, or Etisalat, or Airtel, and vice versa.
It has been seven years in the making, but it looks like it might finally be here. After two postponements this year alone, the NCC has set April 22nd as the final date for the commencement of Mobile number portability in Nigeria.
If (and this is a big IF) they do launch on the 22nd, here are a few things you should know:
What did I win?
The four major GSM companies will go into customer retention mode. This means they will do everything they can to maintain their current subscriber base and if possible increase it. There will be promos that will be predicated on how long you have been with the GSM Company. The longer you have been there, the better the deal will most likely be. There will also be promos looking to tempt you to switch to a new network. Be sure to examine what you are losing as well as what you stand to gain by moving or staying with your current carrier.
‘Be sure to take a holistic look at the pros and cons of each network.’The grass always seems greener.
Be sure to get a good idea of all a GSM company has to offer. Often times we focus on short comings of our current network, without praising it for its strengths. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. Don’t switch networks because of slightly cheaper rates, only to find that there is terrible service on the new network. Be sure to take a holistic look at the pros and cons of each network.
Finally, don’t be so quick to jump ship.
There will be a lot of network fluctuation, People getting off your network, others getting on, promotions, new services, new features, and so on. You need to give it all time to settle. You might even find that as a result of all this, the problem you have with your network will solve itself.
