Recipient operator meaning

In telecoms practice, a recipient operator is the communications provider that receives a customer’s telephone number when the customer switches from another (donor) operator, either while the number is being ported or after porting completes. The term is used across fixed-line and mobile number portability. In the UK, Ofcom’s General Conditions (including the number portability rules) describe this party as the Recipient or Gaining Provider; in Ireland, ComReg applies equivalent concepts under the European Electronic Communications Code and national porting rules. Usage and effect are broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Key legal features and practical roles include: - initiating and managing the port request (for example, using a PAC or other porting credentials); - verifying and recording the customer’s consent and identity; - coordinating with the donor operator and industry porting systems and routing databases; - meeting regulatory timescales for activation and service continuity; - ensuring correct call routing post-port and resolving errors, rejections and cancellations; and - complying with anti-slamming and switching protections, contract and billing rules, and inter-operator porting agreements. The recipient operator acquires the end-user relationship for the ported number and bears primary responsibility for the customer experience during switching.