Altech Autopage Cellular says that it has invested in processes and systems to ensure that consumers are not unnecessarily inconvenienced when porting their numbers.

The company claims that it is well positioned to provide objective advice about the implications of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) changing your network and service provider while retaining your cellular number.

Altech Autopage Cellular MD, Stephen Blewett, explains: Because we offer connectivity and services related to all the cellular and fixed-line networks and are actually obliged by our contracts with them not to favour one above the other we have the freedom to be completely impartial about what porting option would be best for every person that contacts us.

Also, we were closely involved in working with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) towards the introduction of MNP, making verbal and written presentations in support of it. So we understand the issues and benefits of MNP right from the consumers point of view all the way through to the regulatory and legislative requirements of service providers and networks. We can therefore answer most questions that cell phone users have.

The companys testing and preparation of its systems for the introduction of MNP were completed well ahead of Icasas initial launch date in September, he says. In other words, we can port our customers as soon as it is legal to do so, Blewett adds.

Icasa has delayed the MNP launch date a number of times to enable industry players to equip themselves to make a smooth transition to MNP.

We have been able to anticipate and prepare early for the move to MNP because we are closely attuned to consumer needs and trends, Blewett says. We re well positioned to pick up the trends and it is clear that consumers want more choice. We also see protection and promotion of consumer interests as one of our major responsibilities.

Consumers will be able to port even though their contract term has not been reached with their current service provider. Subscribers porting in this instance will have to pay or buy-out the remaining part of their contract. Another factor that will also play a big part in the porting process is that the consumer who wants to port to another service provider will have to supply the new service provider with all necessary personal information. The upside though is that now you will be able to keep your number, says Blewett.