Communications regulator finalizing the process on the proposed amendments to the Numbering Plan
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) recently announced that they are currently finalising an internal consultative process on the proposed amendments to the Numbering Plan which will introduce Number Portability as published in the Government Gazette No. 635 dated 30 July 2017.
The Authority said it will publish the final outcome of this process upon finalisation of the rule making process which is due for completion in due course.
“Number portability provides for an array of benefits such as to allow consumers with the right to retain their telephone numbers (fixed and mobile) when changing service providers, support economic growth, encourage participation in the communications sector and most importantly, ensure fair competition,” said Festus Mbandeka, CEO, CRAN.
He added that Number portability requirements support and are aligned to objectives of the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009) in creating a wide range of efficient electronic communications services, promoting technological innovation and the deployment of advanced facilities or services by licensees.
The purpose of the National Numbering Plan Regulations is to ensure that all service and technology neutral licensees make provision for number portability and set out additional requirements in the numbering plan for fixed and mobile number portability.
The regulations will apply to all services and technology neutral telecommunications licensees issued with one or more number licences for the provision of electronic services. The implementation of number portability will commence within 12 months from the final publication of the proposed regulations.
“CRAN’s role and legal obligation is to ensure that all holders of number licences adhere to this numbering plan and implement number portability within the prescribed 12 months from the final publication date of the proposed regulations and the Authority endeavours to finalise this process as a matter of urgency,” said Mbandeka.
