Mobile phone users across Papua New Guinea will soon be able to change service providers without giving up their phone numbers, following a landmark government directive.
Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Hon. Robert Naguri, MP, officially published the decision accepting all regulatory recommendations to implement Mobile Number Portability (MNP) across the country.
The Public Report on MNP records the extent to which the Minister accepts the recommendations of the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) concerning implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in Papua New Guinea.
This is aliged with section 189(6) of the National Information and Communications Technology Act 2009 (“Act”), ensuring that PNG’s telecommunications sector “contributes to the greatest extent possible to the long-term economic and social development of Papua New Guinea” while strengthening consumer welfare through fair market competition.
For mobile phone users, Mobile Number Portability removes one of the biggest headaches of changing networks. Historically, switching mobile operators meant losing your personal number, updating all your contacts, and informing banking services, businesses, and family members. Under MNP, your phone number belongs to you, not the mobile operator.
In the Report, the ICT outlines key benefits for citizens including:
âś… Freedom of Choice: If a provider offers better coverage, cheaper packages, or superior customer service, citizens can switch without losing their identity or digital connections.
✅ Zero Cost for Consumers: Mobile operators will absorb setup and operational costs — consumers will face no porting charges.
âś… Lower Prices and Better Services: Increased competition is projected to drive down mobile rates across PNG, unlocking between USD 80 million and USD 150 million in financial gains and savings for consumers over five years.
âś… Fast and Convenient Switch: Switching networks will take just one working day through a simple, recipient-led process.
Following public consultation and technical review, the Minister endorsed every recommendation made by the regulator:
According to the report “The Minister ‘Accepts’ NICTA’s recommendations in full. No recommendation is rejected, amended or accepted only in part.”
NICTA’s underlying finding highlighted that MNP is set to enhance consumer choice, lower mobile service costs, and strengthen market competition, while proving thatthe potential market benefits from MNP could range between USD 80m and USD 150m outweighing the projected total costs.
Preparations are underway to set up a central number portability database and establish an industry coordination committee. Full service rollout is targeted to take place within 24 months
Read Report: Ministers-Public-Report-on-MNP-28Oct2026.pdf