Mobile phone users in Antigua and Barbuda could soon be able to switch service providers without changing their telephone numbers, with the government targeting a July rollout for long-awaited number portability.

The initiative would allow customers of Flow, Digicel and APUA Inet to retain their existing mobile numbers while moving between networks, a change officials say will give consumers greater flexibility and encourage competition within the telecommunications sector.

Speaking during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the government expects the system to become operational next month.

“Government believes that this should become effective in July of this year,” Merchant said. “Number portability.”

Merchant explained that the change would allow subscribers to keep the same phone number regardless of which provider they choose.

“If you wish to switch from APUA Inet to Flow, you can take your number with you,” he said. “That’s what number portability is.”

The development comes years after legislation paving the way for number portability was approved, with implementation delayed amid coordination challenges among telecommunications providers.

Asked why the initiative had taken so long to materialize, Merchant said cooperation among competing companies was a major factor.

“We must recognize that they are competitors in this field and so collaboration sometimes is not the easiest thing and hence it has taken a while,” he said.

He noted that the reform could significantly alter the telecommunications market by making it easier for customers dissatisfied with service to move to another provider.

“It may mean good for certain providers and it may not, because there may be an exodus of individuals from any particular service provider to another,” Merchant said.

The government discussed number portability during a broader Cabinet review of telecommunications infrastructure, which also included updates on the subsea cable project and efforts to attract additional internet service providers to Antigua and Barbuda. Officials said those initiatives are intended to improve network reliability, increase competition and strengthen the country’s communications infrastructure.

Further details on the rollout are expected to be provided by Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas in the coming weeks.