By Jillian Marielle Tiraña

PHOTO: Where's Mobile

Telecommunications Connectivity Inc. (TCI), the joint venture firm of Smart Communications, Globe Telecom and Dito Telecommunity, announces the start of its number portability core services on September 30.

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) allows users to switch between telecommunication providers and, with the exception of Dito, change from postpaid to prepaid or vice-versa without having to change their mobile number.

"We do expect to experience some inconveniences as we start offering the service, but we are confident that with the continued cooperation and hard work of our three partner telcos, we can say that finally, forever is here," TCI general manager Melanie Manuel stated in a Laging Handa briefing on Friday.

She also asked customers for patience and understanding as they start availing the service.

“Integrating the various technologies that carry traffic for millions of customers is no easy task,” Manuel added. TCI expects at least a million users to avail the service.

Other services offered by MNP include international inbound and outbound text messaging and reloading third-party apps and services. More amenities will be offered by MNP in later dates.