The Commerce Commission has released a draft that would see the ruling which allows consumers to take their numbers to different networks extended for another six years.

Number portability allows customers to change teleco providers but keep the same number.

“The first number portability determination was issued in 2005 and expires in December 2010,” said Dr Ross Patterson, Telecommunications Commissioner.

“Number portability has been working well since its introduction in April 2007 and has enabled telecommunications consumers to switch providers. All parties are in agreement that the determination should be extended. The Commission has issued a new determination to continue to give effect to the number portability service.”

The new draft will continue with the same standards and systems from the original determination.