Parliament has issued a directive urging the government to implement a single-SIM card policy to achieve seamless calls and transactions across all mobile network operators (MNOs). This initiative seeks to enhance telecom interoperability, reduce consumer burden, and foster a more competitive mobile communications landscape.
Spearheaded by Mityana Woman MP Hon. Joyce Bagala, the proposal received unanimous approval during a plenary session led by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. Lawmakers are calling on the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to expedite the implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) as a crucial consumer protection measure.
MNP enables subscribers to retain their existing phone numbers when switching MNOs or relocating, mitigating the need for multiple SIM cards. Hon. Bagala emphasized that this policy would expand network accessibility, lower connectivity costs, and drive MNOs to enhance service quality through competitive pressures.
“This will incentivize MNOs to improve their service quality to retain customers. It’s also more convenient for users, reducing the complexity of managing multiple numbers,” she stated.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa echoed these sentiments, highlighting the inconvenience of carrying multiple devices. “A single-SIM solution would be a game changer. When we travel internationally, people ask why we carry three phones—it’s a burden,” he remarked.
Infrastructure and protocol considerations
State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku, cautioned that implementing MNP necessitates significant infrastructure upgrades by the government and MNOs. “MNOs exhibit varying degrees of infrastructure maturity, requiring substantial investment in core network elements, including real-time database synchronization and signaling system protocol adaptations, such as SS7 or Diameter, to ensure seamless number portability. Implementing IP-based interconnects would also be advisable,” Kabbyanga told Parliament.
The technical implementation of MNP involves complex routing mechanisms and real-time database lookups, ensuring calls and messages are directed to the correct network, regardless of the user’s current MNO.
- 5G and future network implications
The advent of 5G and future network technologies presents opportunities and challenges for MNP implementation. Ensuring compatibility with emerging network architectures and protocols will be crucial for long-term scalability and efficiency.
- Security and software/hardware implications
Implementing a single SIM policy has security implications. Centralized databases containing ported numbers must be secured against unauthorized access and data breaches. Robust authentication protocols and encryption measures are essential.
For phone users, this change will require software updates to their devices to properly handle the routing changes. While most modern smartphones should be able to handle this change, older devices may have software or hardware limitations.
Industry response and regulatory framework
Telecom operators have expressed readiness to comply with regulatory directives, provided the framework is structured appropriately. Mr. David Birungi, Public Relations Officer at Airtel Uganda, said, “We have a national roaming framework that is yet to be implemented. Once that is in place, we are ready to comply.” However, he stressed the need for policymakers to consider the substantial investments required for effective policy rollout.
There was no comment from MTN Uganda.
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) has the potential to foster innovation in the telecom sector by encouraging competition and the development of new services. With improved network flexibility and reduced connectivity costs, Uganda could witness a more dynamic mobile communications landscape, benefiting consumers and businesses.
