04.04.2005

More competition in the fixed network – universal access numbers becoming portable

From the beginning of April, number portability will expand to cover universal access numbers and reachability service numbers. This means that all universal access numbers beginning with 010, 020, 029, 030, 075 and 076, and reachability service numbers beginning with 073 (such as VoIP service numbers) become portable. In Finland, it is also possible to use universal access numbers and geographic numbers for VoIP.

This expansion relates to FICORA’s Regulation with the aim to promote competition in the fixed telephone network by offering corporate customers more choice in deciding on their operator without having to change the telephone numbers. To retain the telephone numbers is extremely important for corporate customers as the number change involves large costs. The national universal access numbers are commonly used especially by big companies.

The expansion will increase competition between the operators, which, in time, is expected to reduce call prices also when phoning the universal access numbers.

Further information:
Director Tapani Rantanen, tel. +358 9 6966 872, +358 40 505 7002 and
Senior Adviser Pekka Sillanmäki, tel. +358 9 6966 876, +358 40 573 2919