You can now use your fixed-line phone number as your mobile number and vice versa - in theory at least.
The Office of the Telecommunications Authority sanctioned the practice yesterday - allowing users of either type of phone service to migrate to the other to take advantage of cheaper deals. But phone companies are not required to offer the 'porting' service.
An Ofta spokesman said: 'The introduction of the service will provide a level playing field for mobile and fixed-line operators, promote cross-platform competition and meet the needs of consumers.'
An Ofta survey found a quarter of residential and business users would be interested in using their landline number as their mobile phone number or vice versa when switching providers. But industry watchers say some people may prefer to keep separate mobile and fixed-line numbers and that the move may not stimulate competition. One said: 'Fixed-line numbers are shared among family members. Mobile numbers are for personal use. It's nonsense to port a family fixed line [number] as a personal mobile number.'
Until now, customers have been able to keep a mobile phone number when they change provider. They have also been able to use the same fixed-line number after switching provider. But they could not use as their mobile phone number a landline number assigned them by another company, or vice versa.
CSL, and Hutchison Telecom, the city's two biggest mobile phone operators, welcomed Ofta's decision. PCCW, the city's biggest fixed-line operator, Hong Kong Broadband Network and SmarTone-Vodafone said they would study the watchdog's statement before commenting.