What is number portability?
Number Portability (NP) means you can keep your current landline (fixed) if you decide to change from one service provider (or operator) to another within Trinidad. You can now change service providers without having to change your telephone number.
So, switching between service providers will mean you will not have to advise your customers and clients that your number has changed.
What are the benefits of Number Portability?
Number Portability enables you to switch providers and benefit from better rates without having to change your phone number.
What is porting?
Porting describes the process which moves your number from one service provider to another.
Will number portability also mean that I can switch my landline number to my mobile phone service?
No, numbers can only be ported between the same service, so a landline or fixed telephone number can only be ported to another landline service.
When will number portability begin?
Number portability will begin on November 28th 2016 for landline (fixed to fixed only).
Will I be able to port my telephone number to a provider in another country?
No, a number may only be ported within Trinidad.
How much will switching service providers cost me?
There will be no charge by the service provider from which you are porting your number. For a limited time (until December 31st, 2016) No charge will be applied by C&W Business. However, subsequent to this, one time installation fees may apply.
COSTS
There will be a bi-annual charge of TTD$0.50 Vat inclusive payable in January and July of each year. This is an agreed fee between all landline service provides and the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT).
Will there be ‘hidden’ costs/charges?
There will be no hidden charges to porting. However, before you are able to port, you will be required to pay off any outstanding balances owed or contractual charges* that may be owing to your current provider before being able to port.
*Contractual charges may be incurred as a result of prematurely ending a contract with your current service provider. Please check with your current provider to confirm if there are any contractual charges if you would like to port your number to our network.
ELIGIBILITY
Who will be eligible for number portability service?
Any landline (fixed) customer with an active account whose number has not been barred/disconnected or suspended from making outgoing calls.
Can a service provider under any circumstance, refuse to port my number?
Yes. A service provider may do so, if your number has:
- Been barred or suspended for non-payment or any other reason.
- If there are unpaid balances on your account
- Your contract has not yet expired. You must pay off your contract before you request to port your number
- Been ported in the last 180 days
Can I port my number if I have a disputed balance with my current service provider?
Yes. If your number has not been disconnected you are eligible for porting, but you still remain liable to pay any outstanding balances.
Do I need permission from my current service provider to switch to another provider?
No. You do not need permission.
Will I need to cancel my existing service contract before switching to another provider?
No. You should not cancel your service.
What happens during the wait time?
You will still be able use your current provider’s service and you will be liable to pay the usage of this service between the initiation of the port request and when the port is finalized.
Note: Your current service provider will issue a bill for this usage on your current account even though you have moved to another service provider. You will still be liable to pay this bill.
Will I lose my voicemail messages when I port?
Yes, you will lose your voicemail messages.
Can I cancel my request to port to my number?
No, you cannot cancel your request once your porting request forms are completed signed and submitted to your new service provider’s office
You can only port once every 6 months (180 days)
SERVICE ISSUES
Can I switch back to my old service provider if I change my mind?
No, you cannot for a minimum period of 6 months (180 days).
Can I switch back to my old service provider if I’m not happy with the service?
In a situation where you experience a poor grade of service upon porting a fixed line, the issue should be reported immediately to the new provider. If there is no satisfactory resolution to the problem within ten (10) working days of the report, you can initiate a port back to your old service provider.
Is my former service provider permitted to dissuade me after I have decided to switch?
No, your former service provider is only allowed to contact you to recover any outstanding debts.
Can a toll-free number be ported?
No, a toll-free number is not eligible for porting.
Who do I contact if I have a problem with porting?
All communications concerning the porting process should happen between you and your new service provider only. The Contact No. is
224-CORP (2677)