Mobile portability to go live 10 November

Says Mike Falconer, carrier relations manager at Cell C, "Notwithstanding our concerns regarding the extended delay for the implementation of MNP as approved by ICASA, Cell C still maintains that 30 October was reasonable and achievable. However, we understand and support ICASA's pragmatic decision in confirming 10 November 2006 as the new date.

"We therefore accept and we will maintain our commitment to this new date. We also hope and trust that Vodacom and MTN will accept the date stipulated by ICASA and will provide the necessary skills and resources to meet this date."

According to a statement issued to the press, Cell C (which turns five later this year) is satisfied that its long road of calling for MNP is now finally coming to a successful conclusion. "Cell C has consistently pushed for a level playing field, which MNP represents, so that its core value propositions of simplicity, value and especially choice could be enjoyed by all South Africans."

The Cell C statement continues:

Cell C can confirm that the delay was not due to alleged non-performance or the late delivery of equipment by SAAB Grintek. SAAB Grintek have, to date, performed in terms of its agreement with the Number Portability Company (NPC) and delivered the necessary hardware and software on time according to plan.

We can however confirm that the delay was caused in establishing connectivity between the mobile operators and service providers to the central reference database (CRDB); and in sending and receiving messages to and from the CRDB.

The figure of R300 million, which is supposedly the cost for CRDB, was blown out of proposition. The CRDB costs approximately R50 million, and is to be shared across all the three networks, over a five-year period.

The NPC has already been registered. Each of the three mobile operators has an equal shareholding in the company. Each mobile operator has also appointed two representatives as members of the NPC's board of directors. The board has also appointed a GM, Clive Fagan, who will manage the day-to-day business of the company.

Cell C refutes the statement: "The 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". Cell C has been pushing for MNP since the company's inception and has always believed that it will enhance competition by removing the single greatest barrier to switching networks. Cell C has maintained this commitment by being at the forefront of driving the InterOperator implementation process. From the outset, Cell C has been instrumental in bringing increased competition and value to the South African market.