In early 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act No. 11202 otherwise known as the “Mobile Number Portability Act.” The act simply allows mobile postpaid or prepaid subscribers to retain their existing mobile number, despite having moved from one mobile service provider to another or to change the type of subscription—postpaid or prepaid. In this article, we will walk you through how you can apply for the MNP and how you can port over your old number to a new network. 

The commercial launch for the mobile number portability act was supposed to be during the first quarter of 2021. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was rescheduled to launch on September 30, 2021 instead. Through this law, telcos are expected to level up their services as subscribers have no more reason to change their network subscription.

However, not all subscribers are eligible for mobile number porting (MNP). Only subscribers who meet the following qualifications can apply:

• No outstanding financial obligation with the telecom service provider;
• Mobile number used in a device is not locked to any mobile service provider;
• Sixty (60) calendar days have elapsed since the date of activation of the mobile number;
• No pending request for transfer of assignment of the mobile number;
• No prohibition from legal courts for the porting of the mobile number; and
• Not blacklisted by any telecom service provider due to previous fraudulent activities.

How to Apply for Mobile Number Porting (MNP)

External Porting (changing networks)

• Visit any Globe or Smart store and request for a 9-digit unique subscriber code (USC) and a porting application form
  
• Submit the 9-digit unique subscriber code (USC)  and the porting application to your preferred new network provider
• Wait for the activation confirmation from your new network

Internal Porting (changing subscription from postpaid to prepaid and vice-versa)

• Visit any Globe or Smart store
• Fill up and submit a porting application form
  
• Wait for the confirmation of the successful MNP process within 24 hours

For Smart and Globe corporate accounts, you may get in touch with your account manager or employer.

As of writing, Smart subscribers can only apply for internal and external porting by visiting any Smart store nationwide. Meanwhile, Globe users may apply for internal porting via the GlobeOne app.

Internal Porting via the GlobeOne App

1. In the GlobeOne app, choose the “menu” located at the bottom right corner.

1. Click on “Account Requests” and choose “Switch My Number.”

1. Select your preferred network.

4.Click “agree” and wait for Globe to verify your account.

1. If you’re eligible, you may proceed with the porting.

2. Wait for the confirmation via SMS within 24 hours.