The Italian telecoms regulator has said that the country’s mobile networks must allow mobile number portability by May. If the networks fail to come to an agreement over letting people change mobile service provider but keeping their old phone number, the regulator will step in.
According to the existing timetable, Italy’s mobile operators – including all the existing networks plus the two new entrant 3G operators – must begin interoperability tests by the beginning of February, and must launch their service to the public by May 1.
Speaking at a conference, the regulator’s president Enzo Cheli told the press that he was still committed to these deadlines, and would intervene if there were any problems.
