Telecom Questions Need For More Portability

TELECOM QUESTIONS NEED FOR MORE PORTABILITY

The form of number portability sought under today’s application to the Commerce Commission would impose huge costs on the industry with dubious benefits for customers, Telecom said today.

“Last year the industry-wide Numbering Administration Deed (NAD) group failed to prove a clear case for the net economic benefit of regulated number portability, said Bruce Parkes, General Manager Government and Industry Relations.

“At best, the benefits would be captured by a small group of users.

“If the telecommunications industry is going to spend many millions of dollars, there would be much better places to spend it, like broadband applications for schools.”

Mr Parkes said Telecom already provides New Zealanders with effective and cost-efficient number portability, and has done so since 1997.

“The current system is working well and there is no need to alter it.

“If customers want to change to another telecommunications provider, they can and at no cost to them unless their new provider bills them for it.

“The Commission will have to consider if this new form of number portability is worth the huge cost, and who should pay for it,” Mr Parkes said.

ENDS

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