The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is currently reviewing the regulations around number portability in the country. Number portability allows consumers to keep their phone numbers when switching service providers, and it has been an important factor in promoting competition and improving customer choice in the telecommunications industry.
The review comes as a result of a notice issued by ICASA in 2021, calling for interested parties to submit comments on the current number portability regulations. The aim of the review is to ensure that the regulations are effective in promoting competition and protecting consumer interests, while also taking into account new developments and changes in the industry.
One of the key areas of focus in the review is the issue of porting timelines, which have been a source of frustration for many consumers. Currently, the regulations require service providers to complete the porting process within two business days, but this timeline is often not met, leading to delays and inconvenience for consumers.
The review also aims to address issues around the porting of fixed-line numbers, which has been a challenge for many years. The current regulations only apply to mobile numbers, and there is a need to extend the regulations to cover fixed-line numbers as well.
Overall, the ICASA review of number portability regulations is an important step in ensuring that consumers have greater choice and flexibility in the telecommunications industry. By addressing issues around porting timelines and fixed-line number porting, the review has the potential to improve the experience of consumers and promote greater competition in the industry.
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