South Africa’s introduction of cellphone number portability (MNP) — an environment that will enable cellphone subscribers to keep their numbers irrespective of which network they use — has been put on hold until at least next year, it emerged on Wednesday after a stakeholders’ meeting.
Number portability was due be introduced to the general public later this year but hurdles and processes — such as logistics, framework, promulgation and fine-tuning of the MNP systems — have resulted in a delay.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) which oversees the process that will culminate in the introduction of the MNP, gave mobile groups — Cell C, MTN and Vodacom — until June 30 to further deliberate on outstanding operator-related issues.
Pursuant to an MNP road map, Icasa will next month hold a stakeholders meeting.
The regulator was concerned that telecommunications consumers or user groups were not part of the consultative processes that are currently shaping the framework.
In response, Cell C — on behalf of the GSM market — said they would consider involving consumer groups, although this could only be done at a later stage.
MTN said it was committed to MNP and wanted it introduced as soon as possible.
In line with other newcomers worldwide, Cell C believes that it stands to benefit the most once the system is in place.
Icasa hopes that the introduction of a new era will result in consumer benefits including lowering of cellphone services tariffs, quality of service as well as choice for consumers. Under the current dispensation, some consumers stay with their networks regardless of quality of service or rates. ‒ I-Net Bridge