Virtual network operator Virgin Mobile has expressed its disappointment that cellular operators have asked the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) to postpone the implementation of mobile number portability (MNP), accusing them of a lack of urgency.
Jebie Matlou, spokesman for ICASA, today confirmed the regulator had received a letter from the network operators asking for the postponement from 18 September to end October, the second time it will be delayed.
Matlou says the ICASA committee tasked with MNP has not yet studied the letter and would respond only once this had been done. However, he did not know when the committee would meet again.
Sajeed Sacranie, CEO of Virgin Mobile SA, says while he has not seen the letter, he believes there are technical issues delaying the implementation, such as extensive testing of the core database.
"There is definitely a lack of urgency on the network operators` behalf as there is no real incentive for them to ensure it is done quickly," he says.
Sacranie says a company such as Virgin Mobile has the most to gain from MNP because it has no customer base to churn, unlike its opposition, which are experiencing operator fatigue from customers.
Virgin Mobile SA is a 50:50 joint venture between Virgin and the country`s smallest network operator, Cell C.
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