PCC, TCI hold dialogue on improving Mobile Number Portability Act implementation

The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) held a strategic policy dialogue (SPD) with Telecommunications Connectivity Incorporated (TCI) on July 9, 2025, to review the findings of a competition impact assessment on the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Act, or Republic Act No. 11202.

TCI serves as the MNP "clearing house" that manages the technical systems behind number porting, allowing mobile subscribers to switch service providers without changing their numbers.

Despite the law’s potential to increase consumer choice and promote competitive behavior among mobile service providers (MSPs), the PCC’s assessment revealed that the uptake of MNP has been significantly below expectations. Since the MNP service began on September 30, 2021, less than 100,000 subscribers, or approximately 0.10 percent of the total market, have used the service to change their provider by the end of 2024. This uptake is notably low compared to MNP implementation rates in other countries.

The low participation is attributed to limited public awareness of the law. According to a survey, only 5 percent of respondents were familiar with the MNP Act. While TCI and PCC recognized the challenges, both parties affirmed the value of the MNP Act in expanding consumer choice and fostering competition in the telecom sector.

“We have seen that the uptake has not met our expectations, but the law still has the potential to encourage more competition in the industry,” said PCC Executive Director Kenneth V. Tanate.

In response, TCI acknowledged the low public awareness and shared efforts to improve marketing and promotional initiatives. TCI officials also discussed renegotiating contracts with their technology partner, aiming to address the high costs of maintaining unused porting capacity and ensuring better service delivery.

“As we move forward, TCI is committed to making necessary adjustments to improve accessibility and cost-effectiveness for consumers,” said a representative from TCI during the meeting.

The PCC reiterated its commitment to continuing research and policy advocacy to support competition in the telecommunications sector. The Commission continues to assess regulations through tools like the competition impact assessment, which helps to identify both pro- and anti-competitive effects in various industries.

PCC’s policy review efforts align with the goals of the National Competition Policy, which seeks to enhance market competition for the benefit of consumers and businesses alike.

The dialogue between the PCC and TCI is part of ongoing discussions to improve the implementation and impact of critical laws such as the MNP Act. Both parties aim to address the gaps in public knowledge and expand the law’s reach, ensuring its full potential is realized.