Local dialups may be used again

By Richard Braddell

Web InterNet, a small Auckland internet service provider, faces having to return customers who have converted to Telecom's 0867 access number back to old local dialups because Telecom cannot provide lines.

Web InterNet's principal, David Gottschalk, said customers had converted to 0867 ahead of the November 1 deadline.

But because Telecom was unable to provide facilities to connect the calls, he had routed them through Clear Communications using number portability.

Mr Gottschalk said the system had worked well until last week, when Telecom discovered what was going on and disconnected the lines.

The problem arises because of Clear's refusal to sign an intercarrier 0867 connection, instead choosing to reimburse its internet customers the 2c a minute after each 10 hours of monthly connection that Telecom is charging.

Telecom has undertaken not to charge for local dialups while it cannot complete calls. But that will still inconvenience Mr Gottschalk's customers who have switched to 0867 and do not want to change back.

To date, only one intercarrier 0867 deal has been signed, at the 11th hour on Sunday night between Telecom and Saturn Communications.