Number portability postponement “a disgrace”
Virgin Mobile launched on 24th June 2006 with a promise to shake up the mobile market and offer customers a simpler, better deal with no lock ins.
"One of the issues that we identified in the mobile industry and that I spoke out publicly about was the fact that South Africans do not have the option to switch operators and keep their phone number, known as Mobile Number Portability. As a result, South Africans are losing out," Branson wrote.
He said that in every country in which Virgin Mobile operates, the company had seen that Mobile Number Portability put customers in the driver’s seat and allowed competition to thrive.
"You pay every month for the privilege of using your mobile phone and shouldn’t have to lose your number if you want to switch," Branson wrote.
"Now the larger incumbents are again requesting the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to postpone the long awaited and agreed date. This, in my view, is an absolute disgrace and completely unacceptable."
"Mobile Number Portability has been available to mobile customers in other markets for years. Clearly, South Africa’s mobile players are dragging their heels on this issue because it isn’t in their best interests – they want to lock their customers in," Branson asserted.
Virgin Mobile was pleased to take up the challenge to speak on behalf of South Africans in support of a much faster implementation timeline for Mobile Number Portability than was currently planned, Branson said.
"This is the umpteenth time that Mobile Number Portability is being postponed in South Africa. What guarantee do South Africans have that this won’t happen again? We know it can be achieved"
"ICASA set a date of 18th September 2006 but I understand that some operators want to delay this again. This is unacceptable.
"You can help make a difference in our campaign to speed up the implementation of Mobile Number Portability. We encourage you to email us with your support of Mobile Number Portability at: [email protected] .
"Alternatively, write to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa and your mobile operator or service provider with your views," Branson
urged.
"Let’s bring real competition to the South African mobile industry and make Mobile Number Portability happen in 2006," he concluded. It was reported earlier this week that Vodacom, MTN and Cell C had asked the telecommunications regulator, ICASA, to delay the launch of number portability, as a result of technical glitches.
Icasa’s chairperson Paris Mashile told Cape Talk radio on Monday that the body had to receive cellphone operators’ plan of action before they’d make a decision. He added that number portability may only be implemented at the end of October.
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