Local Number Portability

[lomatopo]

I was hoping to centralize any local number portability experiences in this thread for the benefit of others (myself included: I am thinking about taking my AIS/One-2-Call pre-paid number over to a post-paid account with True to take advantage of their interesting voice/data packages).

A suggested format would be:

Old Service Provider

New Service Provider

Charge/fee for the change

Remaining balance/expiration forwarded to new number or forfeited

Did you have to get a new SIM?

How long did the change take?

[beano2274]

I thought that number portability had still not been cleared by the MICT.

[sulasno]

the centres processed limited applications per day

[lomatopo]

There are some details here on the True site

http://truemove.com/mnp/en/mnp-about.html

There is a reference to three business days but not sure how accurate that might be.

[wpcoe]

I read recently (perhaps here on thaivisa.com somewhere?) where the portability just began this past week, and it's limited to 100 customers at each of the five Bangkok locations, so a maximum of 500 customers per day.

[lomatopo]

I read recently (perhaps here on thaivisa.com somewhere?) where the portability just began this past week, and it's limited to 100 customers at each of the five Bangkok locations, so a maximum of 500 customers per day.

I have a feeling that only a few people are porting, if any; not many Thai people know about this and keeping a number doesn't seem to be that big a deal here. Until service providers start targeting competitor's customers I doubt they'll hit that 500 figure in any one day anytime soon.

[wpcoe]

I hope that is true, and that they can allocate some conversion slots to cities other than Bangkok.

Now that I've got an iPhone4, I'm considering changing from DTAC to True, since the latter has 3G in Pattaya where I live, but really don't want to learn and distribute a new telephone number. I'm debating whether DTAC EDGE would be adequate for my needs. Hate to make a day trip to Bangkok only to find the conversion ration had been filled for the day.

[lomatopo]

I hope that is true, and that they can allocate some conversion slots to cities other than Bangkok.

Now that I've got an iPhone4, I'm considering changing from DTAC to True, since the latter has 3G in Pattaya where I live, but really don't want to learn and distribute a new telephone number. I'm debating whether DTAC EDGE would be adequate for my needs. Hate to make a day trip to Bangkok only to find the conversion ration had been filled for the day.

Two comments:

1.) I don't think this is like some Soviet-era bread line? They can process applications in a queue without you having to be present.

2.) With True you can do this on-line. http://www.weloveshopping.com/trueselfservice/truemove_mnp/th/mnp-request-new.php

[wpcoe]

2.) With True you can do this on-line. http://www.weloveshopping.com/trueselfservice/truemove_mnp/th/mnp-request-new.php

If only I could read more-than-my-minimal Thai! <sigh...>

About a week ago at the True counter in Tesco (S.Pattaya) they said I could either go to the True office in Bangkok or in Cholburi (city) to port my DTAC number over to True. I'm still leaning toward making a day trip to Bangkok in the next month or so, and if I do will add the True shop (in Siam Square?) to my agenda. Wonder if I could go to that True counter in Pattaya with my notebook using my USB dongle with a cheap data SIM and have the fellow there do the magic on that page linked above?

I'm still not sure I *need* 3G. For the most part, I suspect DTAC's EDGE would suffice, but one reason I'm considering subscribing to a 3G connection is for a backup when my 3BB ADSL goes down.

[wpcoe]

Another related question (related to my porting DTAC to True, that is): Is there a way to get a refund on the balance on my current prepaid DTAC account? I have about an B800 credit currently, that I probably won't burn up for several months.

Or, can DTAC use part of that balance to subsidize EDGE usage should I add data to my prepaid plan?

[lomatopo]

If only I could read more-than-my-minimal Thai! <sigh...>

Just use Google Chrome and translate; all of the form gets translated including the pull-downs. I guess (I was wrong and) you have to print this completed form and make a trip to one of the 10 locations, with ID in hand.

AFAIK, you lose any remaining pre-paid balance, and have to pay 99 baht. Yes, you can enroll in a DTAC data plan and the charges will come off your current balance.

This page tells you everything you need to know: http://www.truemove.com/mnp/en/mnp-about.html

[wpcoe]

Thanks, lomatopo. Now, just to muddy the waters, I read a Bangkok Post article a few days ago that DTAC will be adding a bunch of 3G towers (over a 1,000?), but the article didn't say where. If they are going to put some in my area (Pattaya/Jomtien), I might stick with DTAC.