GOVERNMENT is sticking to its May 31 deadline for the implementation of number portability, which will allow Jamaicans to keep their assigned cell numbers if they choose to switch mobile service provider.

State minister for Technology, Energy, and Mining, Julian Robinson told the Jamaica Observer that in another two weeks, the country would know which entity has been selected to provide the service as the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) is in receipt of five applications for number portability licence.

“Those bids have been assessed and evaluated and a final decision on the selected provider will be made in another two weeks. Once that provider is selected, they will begin working immediately with the three telecoms companies, to integrate into their systems,” Robinson said.

He said that the telecoms providers have had ample lead time to make preparatory work, and have made advanced preparations to integrate into the portal. “We still anticipate having an implementation date of May 31, 2015,” he emphasised.

Number portability is expected to give customers a free hand to choose their provider based on service quality and price, rather than being stuck with one provider in order to maintain their telephone numbers.

The Government has not yet given any estimates of cost for portability services, as this is yet to be determined by the OUR.

Since announcing that it would be moving to establish number portability, the Government has twice pushed back the implementation date.

Portfolio Minister Phillip Paulwell had promised that the service would be ready by December 2012, but this was revised by another 12 months, followed by another extension to May 2015.

— Alphea Saunders