Montenegro has reached a significant milestone with a total of 100,000 phone numbers successfully transferred since the introduction of number portability services, according to the Agency for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (EKIP).
Of these, 82,650 numbers were transferred between mobile networks. The majority of these transfers went to M:tel, with 41,810 numbers (51%) moving to their network. Crnogorski Telekom received 24,830 numbers (30%), while One Crna Gora saw 16,000 numbers (19%) transferred to its network.
In fixed networks, a total of 17,350 numbers were transferred. M:tel’s fixed network received the largest share, with 10,500 numbers (61%), followed by Telemach with 4,160 numbers (24%). One Crna Gora received 2,290 numbers (13%), Crnogorski Telekom saw 383 numbers (2%), and Orion Telekom had three numbers transferred to its network.
Number portability allows customers to keep their existing phone numbers when switching between fixed and mobile phone operators. This feature enables users to choose an operator that offers the best service conditions without losing their current number.
The service was launched on December 1, 2011.
Phone numbers can be transferred within fixed networks or between mobile networks, and the number is transferred in its complete format.
To switch operators, subscribers must submit a request to their new operator, which also serves as a request to terminate their contract with their previous operator.
Subscribers are allowed to transfer their number again only after a three-month waiting period from the last transfer.
Operators do not charge fees for transferring phone numbers.
If a transfer request is denied or if there are issues with the transfer process, subscribers can file a complaint with EKIP.
Due to number portability, it is no longer possible to determine the phone number’s operator based solely on its format. To address this, EKIP provides an online service where users can check the current operator of a phone number.
