Panama is set to unveil fixed number portability Feb.13, completing its process to allow telephone subscribers to switch operators, but keep their numbers. The landline launch follows the implementation of mobile number portability that began on Nov. 29.
Panama’s National Authority for Public Services (ASEP) noted that fixed-line operators would have until March 30 to comply with the new regulation.
ASEP believes that number portability, both mobile and fixed, will eliminate barriers and encourage competition in the telecom space, as well as encouragement improvements in service.
Panama counts with 6.4 million of mobile subscribers and about 500,000 fixed lines.
Number portability is already a reality in several Latin America countries. Brazil closed 2011 with 5.37 million requests from both mobile and fixed-line users to switch telephone operators without changing numbers. A majority of those requests (63% or 3.38 million) were for mobile devices.
Colombia launched number portability on July 29, while Chile is set to launch mobile number portability Jan. 16, having already begin fixed-line number portability Dec. 5 in Arica. Santiago is expected to follow on Mar. 12, before rolling out to Iquique, Antofagasta and Temuco in April. All Chilean cities are expected to have number portability by August.
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