Ofcom review of General Condition 18 - Number Portability

Ofcom is considering the implementation of number portability in the context
of the development of Next Generation Networks ("NGNs") in the UK and in
relation to mobile networks. BT has announced its 21CN plans, which set out
to replace progressively its core network with an architecture based on NGN
technology. Many other network operators are either planning or have begun
implementation of networks based on NGN designs.

Ofcom is also using the opportunity of this consultation to consider and
review the issue of mobile port lead times. Ofcom is considering whether the
current industry agreed five day process should be reduced to a shorter
period. In Ofcom's view the shorter the process, the better it is for
competition and consumers. Therefore Ofcom is proposing to reduce mobile
port lead times to a period of less than one working day. However, if Ofcom
receives evidence that shows that the costs involved in moving to a lead
time shorter than one working day outweigh the benefits then Ofcom will need
to consider whether a three working day period is more appropriate in light
of the evidence received. It would currently appear that the current mobile
porting process can be reduced to three working days without the mobile
operators incurring significant costs.

More at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/gc18/gc18r.pdf

Regards
Sunil