Mobile Number Portability

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) enables mobile subscribers to retain their existing mobile number when switching from one mobile service provider to another. MNP enhances consumer choice by allowing subscribers to change service providers without the inconvenience of changing their mobile number. It also supports competition among mobile service providers and can encourage improvements in service quality, pricing and customer experience.

In line with the Government’s policy to introduce MNP in the Republic of Mauritius, a new category of licence, namely the Mobile Number Portability Service Provider Licence, has been established through the promulgation of the Information and Communication Technologies (Amendment of Schedule) Regulations 2026 and the Information and Communication Technologies (Licensing and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026. The ICT Authority intends to invite applications for the Licence, following which one successful applicant will be licensed to establish, administer and operate a centralised Number Portability system for the provision of MNP services in the Republic of Mauritius.

As part of the preparatory process, the ICT Authority will hold a three-day workshop from 7 to 9 October 2026 to examine, among other matters, the implications of MNP for services that rely on arrangements established with mobile network operators.

The expected outcome of the workshop is to validate the Call for Applications for the MNP Service Provider Licence, which the Authority intends to issue shortly thereafter, inviting interested parties to apply for the Licence.

The workshop will be structured in a ‘cabaret-style’ format where each table will be assigned specific topics for discussion and participants will be seated according to their field of expertise. It is therefore important that delegates remain present over the 3 days to ensure continuity and meaningful participation.