Calls could become cheaper
CELLPHONE users will soon be able to switch between networks without giving up their contracts, if proposed new telecommunications regulations are passed.
This could soon be a reality following Independent Communications Authority of SA hearings, scheduled for later this month.
Between February 18 and 19, Icasa will be taking comment and submissions from the industry regarding a set of regulations called Carrier Pre-Select Regulations.
This little-known regulatory code will introduce a service to South Africa that has already taken hold in more competitive markets around the developed world.
It will allow a subscriber on any network to be able to switch from one operator to another on a temporary basis for short periods without cancelling the original subscription.
Consumers could start paying an estimated 10percent less on call charges, if Icasa allowed new entrants better access to existing networks at reasonable cost.
However, John Holdsworth, chief executive of ECN telecoms, said the proposed regulations would be of no benefit for pre-paid mobile users and only limited benefit to contract mobile users.
Holdsworth said: “Icasa has decided to remove mobile from automatic pre-select.
“We’re saying that to get them to type a prefix is problematic, because most people select numbers from a phone book.
“Around 95percent of phones are mobile, and they’ve also excluded pre-paid altogether.
“About 85 percent of all mobile phones are pre-paid, and they suffer the highest tariffs in the country,” said Holdsworth.
“All outgoing calls must be subject to all Carrier Pre-Select. We need to include pre-paid in these regulations,” he added.
Sekgoela Sekgoela, Icasa Spokesman said: “For starters, Carrier Pre-Select will cover fixed-line phones, but it might affect mobile phones later on as switches are reconfigured and technical specifications are figured out.
“In as much as we want to carry it out quickly, we have to follow the rule of the law.
“People must still submit documents and make oral representations,” Sekgoela said.
This year, Icasa will formulate various crucial regulations, including carrier pre-select, fixed-line portability, interconnect and facilities leasing and local loop unbundling.
ICASA and cheaper calls discussion
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