Yes, Number Portability enables you to keep your present phone number from some other provider. This scheme has made provision for its customers, whether they use mobile or landline; to keep their prevailing phone number on switching to another operator. Yes, this would make it much easier for people to switch to other service providers without having to go to the pain of disseminating their new number to their contact list.
Mobile Number Portability
The process in Ireland is overseen by the Commission for Communications Regulation. You can retain your existing phone number if you change from one mobile network operator to another-for example, if you Ireland Phone Number Data change from Vodafone to Three or from Eir to Tesco Mobile. The process is pretty simple and does not even require you to change your number; you can keep the same number while availing yourself of the benefits of services offered by another provider in coverage, deals, or customer service.
To port your mobile number:
Approach Your New Provider: You will have to get yourself registered with the new mobile network operator. You will have to give information about your old number and ask for porting.
Obtain the Porting Authorization Code (PAC): You will be required to obtain something called 'Porting Authorization Code' or a PAC from your old provider. This is generally done as a confirmation that the number belongs to you and that you want to port it.
Porting Process: Your new operator will handle the porting process. Usually, the transfer happens in one working day, for mobile numbers. Sometimes, it takes a little longer time. During that period, the old number remains active until the time porting is completed.
No Disruption: There should be no disruption in service during the time the porting is in process, and your old number would keep working until the switch is complete.
Landline Number Portability
Number portability in Ireland also applies to landline numbers. The concept applies if one is changing the providers for his or her home phone service-in other words, taking one's landline number with him or her when switching between providers such as from Eir to Virgin Media or from a traditional landline provider to a VoIP one.
Summary
You can definitely keep your Irish phone number with you when you switch to any other provider, either in mobile or landline services. Number portability is how you can be guaranteed that your current number will not be lost, and changing service providers will not result in any undue inconvenience. This usually means getting the PAC from the old provider, then submitting it to your new one while waiting for the transfer to take effect.