ACCC issues mobile number portability discussion paper

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a discussion paper on number portability in the mobile telephony market.

"The paper draws on overseas experiences with implementing mobile number portability and on recent Australian developments in the mobile market. The paper argues that competition in the mobile market may benefit if mobile number portability was introduced," ACCC Commissioner with responsibility for telecommunications, Mr Rod Shogren, said today.

"The paper also says it is technically feasible to implement an integrated solution to mobile number portability allowing portability across different mobile services (such as GSM and CDMA) and, were mobile number portability to be implemented, it should be required across all mobile digital technologies.

"This evidence should not be seen to pre-empt the decision of the ACCC on whether it should direct the Australian Communications Authority to set out rules about mobile number portability in the numbering plan," Mr Shogren said.

"The aim of the paper is to promote discussion on whether mobile number portability would promote the long-term interests of end-users in Australia.

"The ACCC is seeking information on those consumers, industry participants and potential new entrants who will benefit from mobile number portability. It is also seeking information on the estimated cost of implementing mobile number portability.

"Comments on the paper are sought by 30 June 1999. The ACCC intends to issue a final decision on mobile number portability during the third quarter of 1999".