KEY POINTS:
The Commerce Commission is optimistic telephone number portability introduced on Sunday will lead to better telecommunications services and prices.
But concerns have been raised that users may end up paying more for some calls because they mistakenly think the person they are contacting is on the same network they are.
Number portability allows customers to change their telco provider but retain the same telephone number within a local calling area.
Mobile phone numbers can also be kept, including network access codes, when changing providers.
"By making it easier to switch providers, number portability should increase competition and result in better services and prices," telecommunications commissioner Douglas Webb said in a statement today.
But unlike previously, the new system means mobile users can not be certain, based on the calling prefix, which network the number they are calling is on.
That could be a problem where calls or texts qualify for low prices when made between users on the same network, but not between users on different networks.
Both Telecom and Vodafone have launched a free-text service allowing callers to check which network a number is on before calling.
Meanwhile, the Commerce Commission today issued notices requiring Telecom to submit the non-price terms and conditions on which it proposes to provide access for other operators to its local loop and bitstream.
Access to the local loop -- the standard copper telephone line that runs from a telephone exchange to an end-user -- allows other operators to provide voice and/or broadband services.
Access to Telecom's bitstream services will allow other operators to provide voice and broadband services or broadband services where a consumer is not required to have a telephone service, known as naked DSL.
Mr Webb said the move was an important step towards a standard terms determination for each service, that would apply for all operators wanting access to Telecom's network in order to provide voice and/or broadband services.
Telecom must submit the unbundled local loop standard terms proposal by June 12 , and the bitstream standard terms proposal by July 11.
Once Telecom's standard terms proposal is received, the commission must seek submissions from access seekers before issuing a draft determination for further industry consultation, after which a final determination will be made.
- NZPA
