The number of fixed and mobile telephony numbers that have been transferred through Number Portability exceeded 100,000 in January 2006, with the 100,001th number belonging to a mobile telephony subscriber.
 
Number Portability enables all fixed and mobile telephony subscribers, including prepaid card subscribers, to change fixed or mobile telephony providers while they keep their number. 
 
The numbers transferred in 2005 increased by 208% in mobile telephony and 2,270% in fixed telephony as compared to 2004. In total, the mobile and fixed telephony subscribers that opted to use Number Portability in the period between 1.3.2004 [1] and 31.12.2005 are shown in Chart 1 next.

 In 2004 17,279 fixed and mobile telephony numbers were transferred to another company and in 2005 such figure stood at 77,044,  showing an 346% annual increase.
 
Chart 2 shows the monthly increase in the use of Number Portability since the beginning of the feature, showing a highly increasing trend, especially after the conclusion of the relevant information campaign carried out by (Dec 2004) and the entry into force of the latest amendment to the Number Portability Regulation (Sep. 2005).

 The increase in the number of subscribers making use of Number Portability also continued in January 2006: over 7,177 numbers were transferred until January 27th, 2006, as compared to 2,258 in January 2005.
 
Subscribers that are interested in making use of the Number Portability feature must submit a special Number Portability application to the company to which they wish to have their number transferred. Next, this company shall undertake to conduct all necessary procedures for the completion of Portability.
 
It is pointed out that operators owe to provide subscribers applying for Number Portability with the same service level and connection terms and conditions as that provided to all other subscribers. Further, they must also be provided with the possibility to submit their applications at all points for the submission of new connection applications that providers have, in writing or by fax, or electronically using electronic signature or by telephone (provided such methods are supported by any given provider).
 
It is also noted that anonymous prepaid card telephony users can also make use of Number Portability. They are required to state their telephone number to be transferred and the code indicated on the SIM card.
 
According to a statement of EETT President, Professor Nikitas Alexandridis, “The rate at which the number of applications grows, confirms that consumers make full use of the benefits of Number Portability. The regulatory and monitoring interventions of EETT have decisively contributed to increase the interest in this feature. EETT systematically and intensively looks into the conditions of Number Portability provision, intervening where required, aiming to defend the rights of users and increase competitiveness in the market.”
 
For more information about how to benefit from Number Portability, visit EETT’s website at http://www.eett.gr (Telecommunications/ Numbering/ Number Portability).