Number Portability is the facility that makes it possible for consumers to retain their telephone number when they change provider.

Provision of Number Portbility by communications providers "as soon as it is reasonably practicable" and "on reasonable terms" is a legal requirement under the General Conditions of Entitlement (GC18).

CP's who wish to carry out their own number porting will need to contract directly with the relevant network operators. Industry has developed a template agreement to enable interested CP's to do this cost effectively.

To download a copy of the template please click here.

Ofcom is currently reviewing its mobile number portability and mobile call routing policy and issued consultations on 3 August 2009. These can be viewed using the links below:

Routing calls to ported telephone numbers

Mobile Number Portability

Information on industry organisations can be found here.