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Mobile Number Portability (MNP) creates more cell choice for all
The freedom to keep your mobile number, regardless of your choice of service provider, is on the cards. The introduction of Mobile Number Portability (MNP), has been mandated by the Telecommunications Act, and requires cellphone operators to implement mobile-to-mobile number portability - essentially, customers will be able to change their service providers but keep the same telephone number.
This legislation is set to promote healthy competition amongst operators and encourage choice for consumers, according to operator, Cell C.
Cell C are supportive of the development as it regards mobile number portability important for two reasons:
1. It serves to introduce choice to consumers.
2. It facilitates competition by levelling the playing field for all operators.
This move will also do away with client 'hopping' between providers, and force service providers to up their game levels. Mobile number portability therefore simultaneously benefits competitors in the industry as well as consumers.
Cell C recognises the need for excellent customer service while endeavouring to offer a unique value proposition, and simultaneously giving subscribers the freedom of choice. The international trend is also proving that the latest entrants in any mobile cellular market are the biggest beneficiaries of number portability. All service providers will have to overcome hurdles on the road to ensuring that they are ready for MNP.
Talaat Laham, Cell C CEO, says: "Cell C looks forward to the introduction of MNP and is currently participating in ICASA's MNP regulation making process. MNP will be advantageous for consumers and will reduce costs, especially for business customers who would otherwise have to spend significant sums to change their corporate information or forego competitive offers. It is therefore critical to ensure that the implementation of MNP is expedited to avoid delays in the accrual of such benefits to consumers."
Cell C has also submitted a draft functional specification for the implementation of mobile number portability to ICASA for the hearing proceedings taking place in February 2005.
