Dutch company applies for number portability licence

Netherlands-based number portability and data processing services company, PortingXS B.V. has applied for a licence to operate here.

In an advertisement in yesterday’s Guyana Times, the company registered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands said it has applied to the Telecommunications Agency for an Individual Licence. An application to provide the service was made on May 18, 2022.

“The said Individual Licence application by PortingXS B.V. requests permission to provide fixed and mobile number portability administration services to service providers within Guyana currently Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Ltd., U-Mobile ( Cellular) Inc [Digicel] and E-Networks Inc,” the advertisement stated.

Such services provide the option to consumers of mobile or landline services to change their service provider and keep their number. Currently, customers of Digicel and GTT if they wish to switch networks cannot do so without acquiring a new number.

In the application notice, the company said they are inviting comments from persons who may have an interest or be affected by the application for the individual licence. All comments can be sent to the Telecommunications Agency, Lot 190, Charlotte Street, Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana.  Comments can be made within a forty-day period.

According to the company’s website, it provides the communications industry with user friendly and accessible number portability and data processing services.

The introduction of number portability is an important step in the liberalization of telecommunications markets, the company says.

The company on its website stated there are numerous reasons why countries, regulators and telecom providers should consider implementing Number Portability.

“It enhances the welfare of countries through promotion of effective competition, economics and freedom of operator choice. It can lead to new and competitive services, lower prices, improvement in Quality of Services, enhancing the quality of life and stimulation of economic growth”, the website said.

The company says it has a presence in over 17 countries across the Caribbean, Africa and Europe.

They were founded in 2000.