In line with the leading role of the Kingdom of Bahrain internationally in telecommunications services and in emphasizing the importance of opening and developing the market, protecting the fair competition and empowering the consumer, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has announced the Fixed Number Portability Service within the Kingdom of Bahrain as of 4 October 2011.

Commenting on the launch and operation of this service, Mr Mohamed Hamad Bubashait, the General Director of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) said “This service follows the introduction of Mobile Number Portability Service back in 17 July 2011 and is completely consistent with it, whereas consumers with fixed telecoms services are entitle now to port their numbers and all associated services when changing their service provider.

He continued to state that “The launch of fixed number portability service besides the introduction of mobile number portability service in the Kingdom demonstrates the development of the telecommunications market here and enhances the strategic plans towards empowering the consumer and minimizing the barriers for the fair competition.”

On the other hand, TRA’s ICT Director and number portability project manager Ahmed Jaber Aldoseri said “Number portability, whether fixed or mobile, is firmly considered by TRA as a consumer right, we have worked for a number of years to ensure for the consumer in Kingdom of Bahrain have access to a world-class services.”  With regards method to apply for the service, Mr. Aldoseri said “Consumers wishing to apply for the service should simply contact or visit the new service provider they wish to transfer their number to, the new service provider will activate the service accordingly, which should take no more than six working days to be completed.”