The much-anticipated mobile-number portability (MNP) “Go-Live” date is now scheduled for November 10 2006, the country’s third mobile service provider, Cell C, said on Thursday.
The new implementation date announced by the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (Icasa) follows a request submitted by the Mobile Operators and Service Providers to extend the date beyond the September 18. Cell C had initially proposed October 30, whereas Vodacom and MTN had proposed November 30th.
Says Mike Falconer, carrier relations manager at Cell C: “Notwithstanding our concerns regarding the extended delay for the implementation of MNP as approved by Icasa, Cell C still maintains that the October 30 was reasonable and achievable. However, we understand and support Icasa’s pragmatic decision in confirming the November 10 2006 as the new date.
“We therefore accept and we will maintain our commitment to this new date. We also hope and trust that Vodacom and MTN will accept the date stipulated by Icasa and will provide the necessary skills and resources to meet this date,” he concluded.
Cell C said it could confirm that the delay was not due to alleged non-performance or the late delivery of equipment by SAAB Grintek. SAAB Grintek have, to date, performed in terms of their agreement with the Number Portability Company and delivered the necessary hardware and software on time according to plan.
“We can, however, confirm that the delay was caused in establishing connectivity between the mobile operators and service providers to the Central Reference Database [CRDB]; and in sending and receiving messages to and from the CRDB.” — I-Net Bridge