ACCC not to require data network access service number portability

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today issued its final report on Data Network Access Services (DNAS) number portability. The report finds that mandating DNAS number portability would not be in the long-term interests of end-users.

Number portability is the ability of customers to change their network provider and/or service provider while retaining the same service number.

A Data Network Access Service (DNAS) provides a user on a network other than a data network the ability to gain access to a data network or to features or facilities on a data network. A major use of a DNAS is for dial-up internet access.

In exercising its powers the ACCC must have regard to whether portability of particular allocated numbers is required to promote the long-term interests of end-users.

"The ACCC is not satisfied that the introduction of DNAS number portability would be likely to promote competition in the market for dial-up access to data networks or encourage economic efficiency to a material extent", an ACCC Commissioner, Mr Ed Willett, said today.

"While the ACCC has not estimated the implementation costs that would be incurred by carriers and carriage service providers should number portability be mandated, it accepts that costs would be incurred.

"In these circumstances, the ACCC considers that it should not issue a direction to the Australian Communications Authority in respect of DNAS number portability".