Telstra asked to explain its planned $30 mobile transfer charge

Telstra has been asked to explain a reported $30 charge for transferring or 'porting' mobile telephone numbers from its network to other carrier networks.

"Media reports this morning indicated that Telstra was considering introducing the charge, possibly as high as $30", ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels, said today.

"However other mobile telephone companies, such as Optus and Vodaphone, have indicated to the ACCC that they would not be charging for porting mobile telephone numbers between service providers.

"The ACCC is concerned about the competition implications of a $30 charge.

"Consumers currently with Telstra who wish to move to a competitor could be forced to reconsider if faced with such a high charge.

"The ACCC has sought information from Telstra about these reported charges.

"As the other carriers have indicated that they do not intend to charge for porting of mobile telephone numbers, the ACCC believes Telstra should seriously reconsider its position.

"The ACCC regards the ability of customers to change from one mobile phone company to another, without having to change their mobile phone number, as of great importance to competition. Following a direction by the ACCC to the Australian Communications Authority, full mobile phone portability for most customers is required to commence on 25 September.

"A charge of $30 to change carriers could frustrate this move".