Portability study past first hurdle

After several wrong numbers and a couple of redirections, a study into number portability has finally begun.

The study, commissioned by seven telecommunication companies including Telecom, TelstraSaturn, Vodafone, Callplus and Clear, was first suggested in April last year but was delayed after rifts between the telcos.

After taking months to appoint a consultant to carry out the six-month study, several telcos banded together in September, threatening to pull the plug, saying the drawn-out process was costing them business.

Number portability is seen as a key ingredient in a competitive market as it allows consumers to switch easily between companies and take their phone numbers with them.

The economics consulting and financial analysis firm Law and Economics Consulting Group will carry out the study, in conjunction with Amos Aked Swift, a telecommunications consulting company.

The seven companies involved are parties to the Number Administration Deed (NAD), a group that manages telephone numbering policy.

- NZPA