Industry Celebrates 500,000th ported number

Telecommunications Carriers’ Forum

Media Release

Auckland, 23 November 2010

Telecommunications Industry Celebrates 500,000th ported number

With just 6 weeks to go until Christmas/year-end, a Northland road marking company has become the country’s 500,000th telecommunications customer to ‘port’ their phone number when changing service providers.

The half-million milestone has arrived quicker than many expected, and is the aggregate of local and mobile numbers ported as at 17 November. It is testament to the consistent month-on-month growth in popularity of number portability since its launch in New Zealand less than 4 years ago.

‘Reaching this figure is a significant landmark for the industry and for its customers,’ said Telecommunications Carriers’ Forum CEO David Stone on confirming the 17 November milestone.

‘While its popularity has never been in doubt, the pace at which it’s taken up on a day-to-day basis clearly signals number portability’s value to customers wanting change without disruption.

They can select their service provider of choice without having to organise a new number, or update their contact details with family and friends, business contacts, and so on. That’s not to mention the costs of otherwise having to take care of these things.’

Introduced to New Zealand in April 2007, number portability allows customers to take with them residential or business phone, fax, and mobile numbers when switching providers. It’s currently provided by 19 telecommunications companies.

Reaching the half-million mark represents the latest in a series of milestones for number portability.

In commenting on this week’s milestone, Mr Stone acknowledged the dedication of all those behind the country’s number portability successes.

‘It’s not always been the case for our industry counterparts overseas, but thanks to the ongoing efforts of the many parties involved from the get-go with number portability here, it’s been relatively trouble-free.’

‘Reaching the half million mark is certainly a cause for celebration locally,’ he said.

‘But it’s also a confident and encouraging message to share with our industry counterparts off-shore.

As we head towards a new year in 2011, we have yet another achievement to showcase our commitment to telecommunications best practice.’

ENDS

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