Only purchase TRCSL approved mobile phones; Number Portability service to be available soon

Oshada Senanayake, the Director-General of TRCSL speaking to News 1st said SIM cards inserted to mobile phones which are not registered with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka will not be activated.

"The new decision will not affect mobile phones currently in use, even if they are registered with the TRCSL or not," said Senanayake adding after the 01st of October only mobile phones approved by TRCSL will be registered with telecommunication service provider networks.

The new decision is aimed at protecting the consumers from fake & used mobile devices that flood the Sri Lankan markets, he said.

"Used mobile phones disguised as brand new phones contain multiple issues that could pose a health risk as well," said Oshada Senanayake.

Consumers do not need to get involved with the registration process as it is done by the seller who is registered with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka.

The TRSCL Director-General stressed consumers must always demand the seller to confirm the mobile phone is registered with the Sri Lankan regulatory body by using the IMEI number.

He said it is wise to follow this process when purchasing a new mobile phone despite the phone containing a sticker stating it is 'TRCSL Approved'.

Further, if a person purchases a mobile phone overseas the TRCSL has made arrangements for the users to register the mobile device via an online platform.

Oshada Senanayake, the Director-General of TRCSL speaking to News 1st said if a consumer is not satisfied with the service of a telecommunications service provider the consumer will be able to change service providers without changing the mobile number.

This service is called Number Portability and the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka announced it initiated preliminary steps on implementing the service.