The European Union introduced the concept of global reforms in the 1990s, in
order to open markets for competition. The trajectory of reforms in South
Africa took the following shape: first, liberalisation of markets in the
telecommunications industry. Second, were the privatisation of incumbents,
and lastly, the creation of regulatory agencies, which were mandated by the
American Telecommunications Act of 1996 (No. 103 of 1996) to promote
competition. These changes opened the market for the licensing of cellular
network operators, to compete with the dominant fixed line provider on voice
and data services. Competition in its nature, aims to improve services,
provide affordable prices to consumers and flexible products where consumer
can exercise choice. One of the highlights of competition in the
telecommunications sector came through the legislative requirement for the
industry to introduce number portability. There are different types of number
portability but for purposes of this study, focus shall be on mobile number
portability (MNP).
This study examines the extent to which MNP has benefited consumers who
have ported their number in South Africa. The first chapter provides a
background on the global reforms in the telecommunication sector, and this is
followed by reforms in South Africa. The second chapter provides a literature
review on the effects of MNP, and looks at the regulatory framework of MNP,
processes of porting, and the results of the introduction of MNP in various
countries.
The study found that policy and regulations on MNP had both positive and
negative effects. Consumers are now able to switch operators whilst keeping
their numbers, thus exercising their right to choice. However, prices still
remain uncompetitive and quality of service is yet to improve.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/11966 |
| Date | 19 September 2012 |
| Creators | Dube, Thenjiwe Franscinah |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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