resumes
17 January 2007
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) hereby
notifies that the 10-digit dialling system and the change of international
prefix will officially resume on 16 January 2007. Icasa is responsible for the
regulation of the communications industry in the public interest and to enable
the industry to contribute to the country's socioeconomic goals. One of the
regulatory frameworks developed by Icasa is to realise national goals in the
telephone numbering capacity for the provision of electronic communication
services.
In order to ensure maximum capacity for the usage of telephone numbers as a
national resource, Icasa has developed a two-pronged framework for this
purpose:
* local dialling format
* international prefix change.
On the international front, the Authority has ensured that the international
prefix used when making international calls will be changed to conform with
relevant international and regional requirements. Legislation mandates the
Authority to ensure that electronic communications are correctly and
efficiently directed to the point of reception for which they are intended.
Local dialling format
The new dialling processes will enable consumers to have access to services
using telephone numbers whilst at the same time enhancing competition within
the electronic communications. Currently, a subscriber to fixed line services
can dial the seven digit format (excluding the area code) and the ten digit
format (including the area code) when making local calls. From 16 January 2007
and onwards, fixed line subscribers shall only dial the 10 digit format when
making local calls. Please note that all other dialling formats will remain the
same.
International prefix change
Currently, when a subscriber makes a telephone call to an international
destination, s/he can use both the "09" international prefix or the "00"
international prefix. From 16 January 2007 and onwards, the subscriber shall
use the "00" international prefix only when making international calls. Please
direct your queries to the relevant customer service department of the licensed
operators.
For enquiries, contact:
Sekgoela Sekgoela
Tel: 011 321 8434
Email: ssekgoela@icasa.org.za
Issued by: Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
17 January 2007
Source: Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (http://www.icasa.org.za)
