CELLPHONE users will soon be able to switch between networks without giving up their contracts, if proposed new telecommunications regulations are passed.<\/p>\n
This could soon be a reality following Independent Communications Authority of SA hearings, scheduled for later this month.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Consumers could start paying an estimated 10percent less on call charges, if Icasa allowed new entrants better access to existing networks at reasonable cost.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Holdsworth said: “Icasa has decided to remove mobile from automatic pre-select. <\/p>\n
“We’re saying that to get them to type a prefix is problematic, because most people select numbers from a phone book.<\/p>\n
“Around 95percent of phones are mobile, and they’ve also excluded pre-paid altogether. <\/p>\n
“About 85 percent of all mobile phones are pre-paid, and they suffer the highest tariffs in the country,” said Holdsworth. <\/p>\n
“All outgoing calls must be subject to all Carrier Pre-Select. We need to include pre-paid in these regulations,” he added.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
“In as much as we want to carry it out quickly, we have to follow the rule of the law. <\/p>\n
“People must still submit documents and make oral representations,” Sekgoela said.<\/p>\n
This year, Icasa will formulate various crucial regulations, including carrier pre-select, fixed-line portability, interconnect and facilities leasing and local loop unbundling.<\/p>\n