MTN cuts off Cell C number range
MTN has recently cut off the 08419 Cell C number range, making it impossible for their subscribers to reach these Cell C numbers. Industry feedback suggests that this happened on Thursday 16 February.
MyBroadband called multiple 08419 numbers, and when using an MTN subscription we received the message: “The number you have called is not available on the MTN network”.
The same numbers worked without any problems using a Vodacom, Cell C or Telkom subscription.
The 08419 number range is currently used for value added Cell C services, which include international call-through services.
With an international call-through service a user dials a number, types their number into an IVR and is then connected to an international number “for the price of a local call”.
Christopher Geerdts
Cell C is however not offering the international call-through service itself. Cell C signed up value added service (VAS) providers and allocated one or more numbers in the 08419 range to these providers.
“We hope that this is something that can be resolved soon so that our MTN user base can share the same benefits as those subscribed to other telcos,” said MXit’s MDialer product manager Claire Godden.
“MTN are not providing a good service to their subscribers by blocking certain numbers that are ligitimate numbers. These numbers can be reached by Vodacom, 8ta, Telkom and Cellc, so why not MTN?” asks service provider Phone IT’s Clive Engelberg.
Christopher Geerdts, CEO of XConnect, which provides wholesale international termination for local operators, explained that he received queries from a few service providers, and was able to get confirmation from MTN that they had blocked the numbers.
“Fortunately the services remain open from all other mobile and fixed networks. Judging from the high volumes, there is enormous, pent-up demand for affordable international calling at affordable rates,” said Geerdts.
“It is unfortunate that MTN has adopted this stance with the Cell C VAS number block as it is stifling innovation and denying access to useful services like our cheap overseas calling service,” says Michael Toop, owner of the service provider Callall.
MTN not talking
An industry insider said that queries to MTN have either met with no response, or been referred to Cell C for resolution.
MTN was asked about their decision to cut Cell C’s 08419 number range, but the company would not comment on the matter.
Mothibi Ramusi
“This is a matter between MTN and its stakeholders and MTN would not wish to comment until discussions have taken place,” said Robert Madzonga, MTN SA’s Chief Corporate Services Officer.
MTN’s helpdesk was called, and they informed MyBroadband that the problem is definitely not with MTN, but rather on Cell C’s side. This is not accurate and such misinformation may mislead some consumers who are looking for a reason why these numbers suddenly stopped working.
Cell C said that they were only made aware of MTN’s decision to block their subscribers from using Cell C’s value-added services located in the 08419 range today (22 February 2012).
“We are in discussions with MTN to encourage them to restore these services to their customers and will investigate this matter further,” said Mothibi Ramusi, Cell C’s executive head of regulatory affairs.
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