Vodacom battling Cell C on 08419 number range
Vodacom has said that it treats Cell C’s 08419 number range the same as other Cell C numbers on retail level – but is not happy with paying local termination fees for a service used for transit calls to international destinations.
“Certain providers have been using number ranges like 08419x to transit calls to international destinations – but at the same time, claim local termination fees in South Africa,” said Vodacom spokesperson, Richard Boorman.
“When we identify calls of this nature, we have been taking up the matter with the respective operator,” says Boorman.
Cell C’s executive head of regulatory affairs, Mothibi Ramusi, however, said that they are not aware of any dispute with Vodacom.
The looming battle between Vodacom and Cell C on wholesale termination rates for the 08419 number range, follows MTN’s decision to cut off the 08419 number range from its network.
Two weeks ago MTN cut off the 08419 Cell C number range, making it impossible for its subscribers to reach those Cell C numbers.
Cell C said that it was only made aware of MTN’s decision to block its subscribers from using Cell C’s value-added services, located in the 08419 range, on 22 February 2012 – a few days after MTN’s action.
“We are in discussions with MTN to encourage them to restore these services to their customers and will investigate this matter further,” said Ramusi.
MTN was asked about its decision to cut Cell C’s 08419 number range, but the company would not comment on the matter.
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