So what happens on 1 April?

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mailmonster

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Topic # 12535 22-Mar-2007 12:01

So.. let's say that number portability is here from that date and telcos (Telecom and Vodafone) have worked that all out without any technical problems (which is that their PR have said..... and which i do not believe..) but anyways...

What till happen to....

(1) Say I am orginally on VF with a 021 number and switch to TC
I retain my number, and that people ringing me does not know i ve switched..
so.. what will happen to the caller? will they be charged VF to TC rate (rather than VF to VF)
it sounds unfair if they are charging VF to TC as the caller does not know the other user has switched.

(2) how about TEXT for the same matter...
like with VF's TXT 2000. it's VF number only.. what does that suppose to mean

it is that i do not understand this, can someone please explain?

thanks

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Reply # 64678 22-Mar-2007 12:51

This is something I have also been wondering. I am hoping that the charges for communicating off network become equal!

bradstewart

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Reply # 64679 22-Mar-2007 12:55

This is something I have asked several time times here yet there has been no answer.

The consumer should not be have to ask "hey you have an 027 number but are you really on VF" so they they don't get unfair charges.

Jughead

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Reply # 64690 22-Mar-2007 14:14

The days of knowing what network you are calling or texting by noting the 021/027 prefix are over.

Consumers will not know what network they are contacting when they make a call or text. They will have to find out what network thier contacts are on or wait untill thier bill arrives.

This is knowen as on/off net pricing.

Vodafone is at more risk of unhappy customers here as all their txt plans and many of thier voice deals are "on net" only.

Telecom has on net pricing as well like boost monsta text and calls to mobile from landlines on thier "Anytime" access plans but thier main text plan $10 Txt is to all networks.

This is the one of the few downsides of portablity but the commerce commision and Telco's must have decided that the benfits out weigh this.

Any views expressed here are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of my employer Telecom NZ

lokinz

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Reply # 64706 22-Mar-2007 16:27

Well they best take this off their website by the 1st

nzbnw

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Reply # 64721 22-Mar-2007 17:54

Jughead: Consumers will not know what network they are contacting when they make a call or text. They will have to find out what network thier contacts are on or wait untill thier bill arrives.

This is knowen as on/off net pricing.

Vodafone is at more risk of unhappy customers here as all their txt plans and many of thier voice deals are "on net" only.

Correct, customers will not know if they are calling on or off net, untill they get the bill

.

nzbnw

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Reply # 64722 22-Mar-2007 17:57

Isn't there a notification that will be implemented for calling, that advises the customer of a off net call?

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nzbnw

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Reply # 64723 22-Mar-2007 18:01

cokemaster: Isn't there a notification that will be implemented for calling, that advises the customer of a off net call?

No, at least not initially.

nzbnw

cranz

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Reply # 64726 22-Mar-2007 18:14

I have heard differently, in the sense that there will be a notification when calling an 021 number that has been ported to Telecom. In the way of either "This call is off-net" or a serious of beeps. In saying this we will only know for sure on 1st April. Not a lot of information has been released yet.

As for TXT2000 example, it is VF to VF mobiles, that means if a 021 number has been ported to Telecom it is no longer a VF number, so txts will be charged for.

There is going to be A LOT of confusion regarding on-net and off-net, I actually feel sorry for both companies having this forced on them as our nation is so used to 021 being Vodafone and 027 being Telecom - bring on the headaches

Jughead

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Reply # 64728 22-Mar-2007 18:41

there will be no notifcation ready on April one. yes voda customers espically are going to get stung

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sbiddle

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Reply # 64732 22-Mar-2007 19:43

A lot of overseas networks have a recording for numbers that have been ported off network so that you know a call will be charged at a different rate which would get very very annoying.

TXT is a problem - however anybody who has already signed up to a You Choose plan or signs up at present with the existing terms & conditons will be able to call or TXT a 021/029 number that is ported to Telecom if you have TXT1000 or Your Time 200 because Vodafone's terms & conditons currently say "021 & 029 numbers" and until such time as they notifify you of a change to those terms (and hopefully compensate you since they are breaking a contract you have signed with them).

I'd hate to say it but Vodafone could have themselves in a real right mess. I've been told that come the 1st of April virtually all on/off network differentiation will go but as to whether that happens is anybody's guess. Vodafone trying to enforce the current on/off network differentiation simply cannot work.

Jughead

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Reply # 64736 22-Mar-2007 20:27

I would be very surprised if voda hounred text messages and voice calls to 021/029 numbers on the telecom network. The interconnection charges would kill them.

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bradstewart

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Reply # 64742 22-Mar-2007 20:36

Jughead: I would be very surprised if voda hounred text messages and voice calls to 021/029 numbers on the telecom network. The interconnection charges would kill them.

Well given the terms of some of their advertising they may not have a choice. I can guarantee there are going to be angry customers shortly after April 1. It will be interesting to see how the ComCom reacts to upcoming mess.

sbiddle

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Reply # 64747 22-Mar-2007 20:40

Jughead: I would be very surprised if voda hounred text messages and voice calls to 021/029 numbers on the telecom network. The interconnection charges would kill them.

They have no choice when they have a customer has a contract with them saying they will. Current You Choose material says both "021/029" and "Vodafone Network" depending on where you read. That means you can have a TXT to an 027 number which has been ported to Vodafone which will use included SMS's and a 021 number ported to Telecom that will also use included SMS's. There is absolutely no way in the world you can possibly build a billing system that can handle this. Vodafone struggle at present even trying to charge for basic products.

The You Choose Brochure refers to calls and SMS's to "021 and 029" whereas Vodafone have modified their main page here to refer to "Vodafone Network"..

riahon

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Reply # 64753 22-Mar-2007 21:02

I already had the idea in my mind that we the consumer should have no confusion - wasn't number portability implemented to help the consumers?

My thoughts were: if I am on 027 and get cheaper rates for dialing an 027 then that is all that matters. The mere fact the call is ported to an 021 should not be my concern. I should pay for the number I dialled, not for what network the call terminates on.

Doesnt this make sense?

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sbiddle

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Reply # 64763 22-Mar-2007 21:27

Since both networks are going to be affected by this issue it would be good if somebody from both Vodafone and Telecom could tell us exactly how they will be deadling with the issues involved. How about it guys?

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