A mechanism to enable phone users to carry their numbers with them when they switch operators is expected to be introduced by the end of the year. The regulator for the telecommunications industry yesterday published a consultation paper on the issue.

The regulator, Ms Doyle, said number portability was a key enabler for effective competition in the telecommunications market.

"It will remove one of the main barriers to consumers switching between telecommunications service providers."

The paper points out that studies show that the cost and inconvenience of a number change is a significant deterrent to customers changing their provider of telecommunications services.

Last night, telecommunications operators broadly welcomed the paper, but said they would have to study it in detail. "Number portability greatly benefits the consumer," said one source.

The consultation period runs until February 22nd.