MNP –no deal has been struck

Cable & Wireless has rejected assertions made last week that a deal has been struck for the introduction of mobile number portability (MNP).

It was reported that it was believed an agreement had now been reached between Jersey Telecom and the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) saying that it meant that MNP would be in place by the end of 2009.

Peter Stahelin, Regulatory Director for Cable and Wireless in the Channel Islands & Isle of Man, commented:

“I don’t know why there are suggestions that a deal has been struck. Cable & Wireless has not agreed to any revised timescale. From our perspective the end of 2008 is far too long for consumers to have to wait for this, let alone any later date.”

He added:

“We are waiting for a meeting to be confirmed between the three Jersey operators, the JCRA and Guernsey’s Office of Utility Regulation. That meeting is to consider whether a technical solution to MNP proposed by the OUR is feasible or advisable. We still expect MNP in Jersey as soon as possible during 2008 and feel strongly that all involved should be pushing harder to make that happen. We would unequivocally reject any proposal which suggests that consumers should wait until 2009 for MNP.”

“This whole issue is mired in delay. We look to the debate to focus on the needs of mobile customers. The JCRA’s own research indicated that 91% of islanders surveyed felt it would be important or very important to keep their number if switching operator. Lack of MNP is a particular issue for business customers, with a large number of small to medium sized enterprises feeling unable to change to a better value mobile network. This is about customers having real freedom of choice in Jersey and nothing else.”