Johannesburg, 02 Oct 2006
From 16 October, callers will have to dial 10 digits when making local calls, and replace "09" with "00" when making international calls.
The change is in line with the framework of numbering convention recently introduced by the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA), says Telkom.
The law requires new dialling procedures be implemented by 16 January 2007, says Telkom spokesperson Lulu Letlape.
To help consumers get used to the new procedures, Telkom will run the parallel dialling system from 16 October, enabling seven- and 10-digit dialling for local calls and the 09 or 00 prefix for international dialling prefix.
After 16 January 2007, the seven-digit dialled local calls will be routed to an announcement, which will request callers to dial all 10 digits when making local calls, she says. International calls dialled using 09 will also be routed to an announcement, which will request the customer to replace 09 with 00, she says.
The routing of calls will continue until 16 March 2007, after which incorrectly dialled calls will be routed to a "number unavailable" tone, she adds.
Reset required
Letlape says companies that have barred international calls on their PABX system will be hugely impacted by the changes. The system will need to be re-programmed to avoid users being able to make unauthorised international outgoing calls, she says.
Letlape adds that customers should also check that any pre-programmed local numbers (eg, speed-dial numbers) are stored in the full 10-digit format. If international numbers are included in this list, the dialling prefixes will have to be changed from 09 to 00, she says.
The short numbers used to dial international operator-assisted services will also change on 16 January 2007, with all existing short numbers to be prefixed by number one.
The existing number for international directory enquiries will change from 0903 to 10903 and operator assistance for placing an international call changes from 0900 to 10900, she says.
The new numbering framework boosts number capacity by 20% nationwide, which adds two million lines, ICASA chairman Paris Mashile previously said.
Related story:
SA changes international dialling prefix
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