Top UAE-based telecom operators Etisalat and du have announced options to facilitate mobile number portability (MNP) that will be available in the emirates starting tomorrow (December 30).

Etisalat, the leading telecom operator in the UAE, is technically ready for implementation of MNP, in accordance with all requirements and guidelines set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority, a statement said.

It has launched a toll-free number, 80099, to handle queries ahead of MNP implementation. In addition, specially trained customer care representatives have been posted at sales centres to support requests related to subscription of Etisalat’s services.

New customers can also register for mobile numbers online at etisalat.ae and choose to get their new SIM card delivered to their doorstep.

Etisalat said it will enable both prepaid and postpaid customers to subscribe to its services and benefit from its infrastructure.

Khaled El Khouly, chief marketing officer, Etisalat UAE, said: “Mobile Number Portability gives customers the freedom of choice and enables them to opt in for our services.”

“We have set up multiple channels to facilitate this process and ensure a seamless transition. In anticipation of an upsurge in queries related to MNP, we have launched a toll-free number 80099. Staff trained specifically on MNP will also be posted at our sales centres. A dedicated section on the Etisalat website, etisalat.ae/upgrade, also provides answers to some frequently asked questions,” he added.

du

Meanwhile, du said it has intensively trained 2500 personnel for more than 12,800 hours over 1973 business manned days across its customer care and retail sales departments (including authorised partners) to be fully aware of the processes and guide customers.

Fahad AlHassawi, chief commercial officer, du, said: “MNP is now closer than ever to be a reality. The time to embrace change is here. 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.

“As mandated by the TRA we can process up to 3000 applications every day. We have trained 2500 personnel to ensure a smooth customer experience at retail sales and customer care level. We are looking forward to welcoming new users to the du family.”

The process of switching to du without changing your existing mobile number is very simple, AlHassawi added.

To indicate your interest in switching to du and be notified as soon as MNP is available, individual customers can simply send the word ‘CHANGE’ by SMS to 3553.

Business customer can send an SMS “Change Bus” to 3553.

Any customer may call up toll-free on 800 242643 (800CHANGE) manned by trained staff who will be able to answer all their queries. Either of the customers may alternatively visit du.ae/change. There is no need to visit the other telecom operator.

From December 30, an individual customer may simply visit any of the 51 du shops or select authorised partner outlets of Axiom, E-Max, Eros Digital Home, Jacky’s and Jumbo. Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) customers can submit their porting application at any of the 19 du Shops offering business services.

Large enterprise customers can contact their dedicated du account manager or submit their application on du/ae/change, and they will receive a call back within 24 hours. Once the special porting request form along with the required documentation is submitted, customers will be notified about the progress through SMS, a statement said.

The porting time (time taken to switch to another operator) will take less than one working day, it added.

Individual customers only need to pay the standard activation fee for their prepaid or post-paid plan.

Prepaid customers will not be able to carry forward their unused credit balance, according to the statement. – TradeArabia News Service