Local and mobile number portability review
Number portability is a service that enables consumers to take their telephone numbers with them when they switch providers.
At least every five years, the Commission considers whether there are reasonable grounds for commencing an investigation into whether any services should be omitted from the list of designated or specified services in Schedule 1 of the Telecommunications Act 2001 (Act).
Local (fixed landline) and mobile (cellular) number portability services have been regulated services since 2001. They allow New Zealanders to switch providers for their local (fixed landline) or mobile (cellular) services, while retaining the same telephone number.
We reviewed LMNP in 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021. None of these reviews found the existence of reasonable grounds to commence a deregulation investigation.
We are now required to consider if there are reasonable grounds to commence an investigation by 12 May 2026.
More information including previous reviews and determinations can be found on our Local and mobile number portability page.
Today we have published our draft decision paper and invite submissions on our draft decision which will close at 5pm, Monday 25 August 2025.