Phone codes traditionally held by Telkom, like 011 and 012, have been granted to voice-over-IP (VOIP) telecommunications business Switch Telecom.
The Independent Communications Authority of SA says any company running VOIP services with ECNS licence (converted from the value-added networks services licence) is eligible to apply for a geographic number.
VOIP providers have traditionally been allocated the 087 number range, which for many has been a contentious point. Many South African VOIP operators complained, saying the number range is often blocked by PABX systems, essentially stunting their business.
Switch MD Gregory Massel says the allocation of geographic numbers cuts out customer concerns of getting through using a VOIP service provider. However, analysts have questioned the value of using geographic numbers in the current telecoms industry.
Richard Hurst, IDC Africa programme manager of communications, says with the concept of distance falling away, there is little to no need left for a distinction between numbers in Johannesburg and a number in Cape Town.
“One number means they can keep a single number anywhere they go. Converged networks have blurred the idea of distance,” he explains.
Similarly, Frost & Sullivan industry analyst Lindsey Mc Donald says with fixed (geographic) number portability expected anytime this year, there is little reason to have a geographic number range implemented.
Both concede that having the number recognised on a PABX is one possible reason to have it implemented. However, reports show the 087 numbers are being accepted by more PABX systems now than last year.
Good reason
Switch says customers were not only concerned by the PABX issue, as having an 087 number can make clients feel like they are paying more for a call. The 087 is similar to the mobile ranges and customers feel mobile is more expensive.
“When our clients are assigned geographic numbers, these will appear identical to a Telkom or Neotel number. Our clients can, therefore, feel confident knowing their clients will not hesitate to call them and speak for as long as necessary,” says Massel.
The company says it will also help to distinguish it from other VOIP providers in the country, such as Vox Telecom. Arguable larger rival, Vox, has according to ICASA, not applied to the authority for geographic number ranges. Vox has since stated that it has applied.
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