The IT ministry is calling for number portability in mobile services to be effective as soon as in May 2004. The Cabinet will discuss the draft in January. Two major domestic operators, Eurotel and T-Mobile (39% owned by Ceske radiokomunikace), claim that they would be technically unable to ensure portability earlier than in 18 months.
While the exact timing of number portability is currently unclear, it would definitely increase the intensity of competition on the domestic market, which will be the major force influencing the sector in coming quarters (so far, the mobile market has been characterized by hefty margins and ROIC).
Jan Hájek