Cell operators 'dragging their heels'

"It 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... 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," Branson said.

He encouraged consumers to email Virgin with their support of Mobile Number Portability at: .

The full text of Branson's letter is below...

From Sir Richard Branson

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.

In every country in which Virgin Mobile operates, we have seen that Mobile Number Portability puts customers in the driver's seat and allows 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.

At Virgin Mobile, we believe you shouldn't be held hostage by your mobile phone company.

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.

Virgin Mobile is 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 is currently planned. 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:
.

Alternatively, write to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa and your mobile operator or service provider with your views.

Let's bring real competition to the South African mobile industry and make Mobile Number Portability happen in 2006.

Sincerely

Sir Richard Branson
Chairman, Virgin Group &
Founder Virgin Mobile South Africa