Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has introduced a new Number Portability Regulatory Framework aimed at making it faster and easier for users to switch telecom providers while keeping their existing numbers.
The regulation standardises number portability procedures, introduces greater automation and establishes clearer timelines for completing transfers, as the regulator seeks to improve user experience and strengthen competition in the telecom market.
Framework targets faster and more consistent porting
The new rules are designed to institutionalise and standardise the process for transferring numbers between licensed telecom operators.
A key focus is automation.
The TRA said the framework is intended to reduce processing delays, streamline procedures and establish defined time limits for completing portability requests.
The regulator also plans to strengthen oversight of service delivery to ensure operators comply with the required standards.
Users retain greater freedom to switch providers
Number portability allows customers to change telecom service providers without losing their existing numbers.
The revised framework is intended to give users more flexibility to choose providers based on factors such as pricing, network coverage and quality of service.
By reducing friction in the switching process, the TRA is also seeking to strengthen competitive pressure between operators.
If customers can move more easily between providers, operators face greater incentives to compete on service quality, pricing and overall customer experience.
Regulation defines responsibilities for operators and users
The framework applies both to licensed telecommunications providers and end-users.
It sets out the roles, obligations and rights of each party involved in the number portability process.
The objective is to make the process more transparent and efficient while reducing uncertainty around how requests should be handled.
The TRA said the framework is also intended to improve consumer confidence in the telecommunications market as the sector continues to evolve.
Oman updates rules first introduced nearly two decades ago
Oman introduced number portability services in 2006, allowing subscribers to retain their numbers when moving between telecom providers.
The TRA issued its first regulatory instrument governing operator obligations for the service in 2008.
Since then, the telecommunications market has expanded and the number of licensees has increased.
The regulator said this growth exposed weaknesses in the existing portability process, including delays in handling requests.
Those shortcomings led to the decision to overhaul the framework and move towards a more automated, centralised model.
Centralised system intended to improve efficiency
The revised framework calls for a centralised system to support number portability operations.
This is intended to make transfers faster, more consistent and more equitable across participating operators.
Centralisation can also make it easier for regulators to monitor how long transfers take, identify bottlenecks and ensure operators are applying the same rules.
For users, the practical benefit should be a more predictable switching experience.
