24.05.2011

More flexibility in number portability

From 25 May 2011 customers can port their telephone number to another operator in the middle of a fixed-term subscription agreement. So far, this has been possible once the the fixed-term agreement has ended, whereas porting of a number for a subscription agreement valid until further notice has been possible for several years.

The monthly fees related to the old agreement must, however, be paid until the fixed-term agreement period expires. Customers should always check the expiry date of the agreement and the fees related to it and only then estimate a suitable time for porting.

The change, concerning both consumer and corporate customers, is related to the amendment of the Communications Market Act. It means more flexibility in number portability and promotes competition in the communications market.

Porting instructions

In order to clarify the porting procedure, FICORA has published a set of porting instructions on its website. The instructions include useful information and tips for everyone who wishes to change operators but keep his or her old number. The instructions which are divided into three parts – fixed-term agreements, agreements valid until further notice, and prepaid subscriptions – can be found at:

http://www.viestintavirasto.fi/en/index/puhelin/puhelinverkonnumerointi/puhelinnumeronsiirrettavyys/ohjeitanumeronsiirtamiseen.html

Further information:

Legan Counsel Sanna Hughes, tel. +358 9 6966 870, +358 400 440 903
Senior Adviser Pekka Sillanmäki, tel. +358 9 6966 876, +358 40 573 2919