The competent independent Communications Authority in Greece has put in place new rules for so-called portability of telephone numbers - fixed and mobile. Here's what to look out for before submitting a portability request to network new provider (possible cost of disconnection from existing provider and/or reconnection from new provider), how long you will have to wait, how long your telephone connection may be interrupted and when you can claim compensation for delay.
EETT has announced new arrangements for number portability, saying transparency, speeding and more effective control of the process by subscribers themselves, referring to possible unfair practices that exist so far. Defending consumer rights and stimulating competition in the telephony market is a priority, the Authority notes.
What exactly is portability
Number Portability is the ability of each subscriber to keep his telephone number when he changes electronic communications provider. THE service Number Portability refers to keeping the geographic number within the same geographic area as it corresponds to a National Destination Code (eg 210, 211, 2310). Of course, mobile numbers (and non-geographical numbers in general) do not have this restriction.
The subscriber can transfer his number to a different network as often as he wants, without any limitations. Also, the subscriber is entitled to number portability even if it is connected to the provider on a fixed-term contract. However, this right does not limit to a minimum the subscriber's obligations under his contract with the provider (Donor provider), such as the obligation to pay disconnection fees before the expiry of the contract.
Does portability cost? It can, indirectly, cost
EETT has not defined a "number portability fee" imposed on subscribers for the portability of their numbers. But a "number portability fee" may be imposed by the new provider to its network, based on its commercial policy (the existing provider has no right to impose a number portability fee). However, today's corporate practice is that portability is done free - moreover, this would act as a disincentive for switching providers.
On the other hand, providers have the right to impose an "activation / connection fee" for the activation of new connections in their networks. In any case, subscribers can be informed by the new provider before the submission of the Mobility Application for amount of the portability fee (if any) and its height activation / link end which will be charged.
Time to handle the portability request
In addition, according to EETT regulations already in force:
- the time for examining and implementing requests for portability is accelerated
The new provider must forward the subscriber's mobile application to the existing provider within a maximum of one business day of its submission by the subscriber. The Dowel provider must, within 6 working hours after receiving the number portability application, accept or reject the application. If the application is accepted, the transfer of the number must be completed within one business day of acceptance. Therefore, the total handling time of the number transfer does not exceed three (3) business days, from the date when the subscriber submitted the request for portability to the Receiver provider.
In the case of fixed telephony, accompanied by a request for full unbundling of the local loop (connection to a new telephony network), the transfer of the number (s) shall be handled on the day of delivery of the full unbundled local loop.
The transmission time may be extended due to a delay due to the subscriber, for example because the subscriber requests to activate his number to the Receiver provider on a date different from the date resulting from the above deadline or due to a delayed reception by the subscriber SIM card (in mobile).
The maximum stoppage time service in the process of transferring the number is equal to 2 hours.
Why your application may be rejected
- the grounds for refusal of the application are limited
The existing provider (Donor) has to reject the application for number portability only:
- If the A.F.M. or the Identity Card, or Passport Number of the application is different in relation to the corresponding data that the Donor provider has in his possession.
- If the number (or numbers) for which the application is submitted is inactive
- If the number (or numbers) for which the application is submitted belongs to another subscriber.
- In the case of transferring a group of consecutive numbers, when the group does not have a specific size
In the case of rejection of the number portability request of a subscriber, the Receiver provider must inform the subscriber of the reasons for rejection of his / her application and inform him / her of the actions he needs to take to successfully process his / her application.
- it is confirmed by the provider that all applications for portability and cancellation requests of the subscriber
- is determined a compensation procedure for delayed transport and abusive number transport.
More information about number portability can be found at http://www.eett.gr or on the dedicated website www.foritotita.gr, to which we refer you for updating the information.
How much do I charge for a call to another provider's network?
With portability, the first digits of the phone number no longer indicate the company (provider) to which the caller belongs. As a result, the subscriber may not know if he is calling a number belonging to the same or another network, in order to estimate the corresponding charge. With the special application of EETT in foritotita.gr, "Find the Provider of a Number" subscribers can be informed if their call is on or off their provider's network and therefore assess their charge according to their financial plan.
Who's Charging Me?
In addition to the transparency of billing, the knowledge of the provider to which a number belongs may also help in other cases, such as in the case of a complaint the high number of the company with the number.
EETT states that it will continue to focus its actions on the transparency of the subscribers' relations with the providers, the fulfillment of the obligations of the providers, and the improvement of the quality of the services provided.
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