Interconnect regulations are due to come into play tomorrow; however, many telecoms players are still confused as to whether or not they qualify to charge an asymmetric rate or how termination rates link to number allocations.
As of 1 March, the Independent Communications Authority of SA's (ICASA) interconnect regulations will be enforced. Subsequently, call termination rates across the board will drop from 89c per minute to 73c per minute.
The regulations have also made it permissible for operators that hold less than 25% market share to charge 20% above the maximum regulated rate.
To dispel some of the confusion plaguing industry, ICASA published a note to clarify the following issues: regarding the criteria involved in qualifying for asymmetry, the authority points to a notice published in the government gazette, towards the end of January, entitled: “Implementation of the asymmetry provisions of the Call Termination regulations”.
According to the note, all licensees other than MTN and Vodacom are entitled to charge an asymmetric wholesale call termination rate for termination to a mobile location.
All licensees other than Telkom are entitled to charge an asymmetric wholesale call termination for termination to a fixed location.
“This will remain the position until further notice. It should be noted that there is no need for licensees to apply on an individual basis for asymmetry,” notes the authority.
On the point of how call termination rates link to number allocations, the authority says: “Numbers already issued to licensees were issued under the terms and conditions consistent with the Numbering Plan regulations, which identify that certain numbers are to be used for specific services.”
ICASA hopes the interconnect regulations will increase competition in the industry, which - in time - will translate into savings for the consumer.
In line with this, Neotel has revealed cheaper call rates as it passes on its cost savings to the consumer.
Calls to MTN and Vodacom phones will now cost 95c (plus VAT) per minute during peak hours, and 85c (plus VAT) during off-peak hours. Calls to Cell C and 8ta cost R1.20 (plus VAT) during peak hours, and 96c (plus VAT) during off-peak hours.
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