Those who want to change the mobile phone operator but to keep the mobile phone number can submit applications from July 1. Mobile number portability applies to all the mobile phone carriers, regardless of network, subscription or used card. Any user will be able to benefit from this service after filing an application to the chosen operator, IPN reports.

ICT Minister Pavel Filip told a news conference that the implementation of mobile number portability in Moldova will mark a new stage in the development of the mobile phone services market and in meeting the European standards.

“We are convinced that the intensification of competition between the carriers will lead to the extension of the range of services and to the improvement of their quality,” he stated.

Sergiu Satnic, director of the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology, said the works to test mobile number portability started in May and the results show that the mobile phone carriers are ready to provide such services.

Ala Baidauz, division head at the Agency, said that in order to benefit from such services, the user must submit an application that will contain data from the identity card and the telephone number. The application will be processed during five to 30 workdays. If the term is exceeded, the carrier will pay a penalty of 100 lei per every overdue day to the client. If the number is ported mistakenly, the carrier will pay a fine of 1,000 lei.

In order to see the ported phone numbers, the users can access the website www.portare.md. If the phone number was ported and has a different charge, the caller will be warned by a special signal during the call.