Mobile phone users from April will be able to switch operators without losing their preferred numbers in a move that sets the stage for a fresh battle for control of Kenya’s competitive telephony market.

The country’s four mobile firms—Safaricom, Airtel , Essar’s Yu , and Orange have signed agreements on Friday allowing for the launch of the mobile number portability (MNP), as the switch is technically known.

The Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) considers that the move will enhance competition in the mobile telephony market, adding that it could lead to a further drop in prices as players race to defend and grow market shares.

According to Charles Njoroge, the Director General of CCK, it is also expected to change the level of playing ground for the operators in the market.  Changing subscribers’ numbers can be a major inconvenience at both personal and business level because telephone numbers are considered part of our identity, and any change would affect the circles of our friends, family and business associates.

This has been the major barrier for Safaricom subscribers to join rivals networks despite the operators offering lower rates, a signal that MNP is expected to change the competition landscape once again.

Under the MNP, subscribers will keep your number exactly the way it is, even if they move from one network to another, but they will have to inform their current and new operator of the switch. The subscriber will be required to surrender the SIM card to his or her provider and acquire another SIM card from the new service provider.

According to Atul Chaturvedi, the Managing Director, Yu, the service gives the consumer more freedom and ability to be more service oriented. Quality of service is going to play a critical role in attracting and retaining subscribers and with this service we have an opportunity to net disgruntled subscribers with our offers.