Number Portability

Number portability refers to the ability of end-users subscribed to voice communications services to retain their telephone number when they change their service provider.

The key premise behind number portability is that subscribers are predominantly reluctant to change their telephone number. The absence of number portability can therefore be a major inconvenience and a potential barrier, preventing users from taking advantage of the available options in a developed competitive telecommunications market. Indeed, having to change one’s telephone number may create a barrier to switch provider, and give incumbent providers significant competitive advantages over new entrants in the market.

For any question on number portability and related end-user rights, the FAQs may hold the answer. Furthermore, the MCA has published an extensive set of documents that define the requirements associated with number portability and various related processes, as follows:

NP Decision
Decision Notice ‘Number Portability in Malta’

NP Specifications
Network Functionality
Mobile ordering process
Fixed and DDI ordering process
Inter operator webservice
Charging for Number Portability
Freephone numbers
Premium Rate Numbers
Number Portability - Testing Specifications Manual 

NP Charging Decision
Number Portability - Responses to Further Consultation on Porting Charges and Decision

NP Consultation
Number Portability Consultation - October 2003
Number Portability in Malta – Consultation and Proposed Decision – December 2021

NP Decision (Legacy)
Number Portability Decision - March 2005 (updated March 2010)
In force until 31 May 2023