Both of the UAE's mobile networks, Etisalat and Du, are ready to launch the Mobile Number Portability Service through the opening of a central clearing house.
The telecoms regulator, the TRA gave both operators a deadline to prepare their commercial offerings and sales channels to start with the actual transfer for subscribers' starting Monday, December 30, 2013.
Currently, the UAE has a mobile phone penetration rate of 181% and a smartphone penetration rate of 73.8%
The regulator said that there is no doubt that the availability of MNP will enhance competition in the local telecommunications market immediately.
