Vodafone warned about MNP code breach

The Australian Communications Authority (ACA) has formally warned Vodafone that it had contravened the mobile number portability industry code.

The ACA is considering further regulatory action.

The warning follows an investigation of complaints by Telstra, Optus and Hutchison that Vodafone was not complying with the MNP code.

Acting ACA Chairman Dr Bob Horton said the ACA was satisfied that Vodafone had contravened the code and has issued a formal warning to the carrier under section 122 of the Telecommunications Act 1997.

“A formal warning is one of the measures the ACA can take under the Act. We may also direct carriers to comply with a code and, if they fail to comply with our direction, take action through the Federal Court which can impose substantial fines,” Dr Horton said.

“The ACA has informed Vodafone that these other measures may be used if its performance does not improve as a matter of urgency.

“What is at stake is public confidence in the mobile number portability process.

“Customers have been subjected to delays and difficulties in porting from Vodafone to other operators. That is unacceptable.”

Industry Code ACIF C570:2003 Mobile Number Portability sets out minimum standards for processing consumers porting requests. Through the code, the industry has undertaken to process 90 per cent of mobile ports within three standard hours of operation and 99 per cent of mobile ports within two business days.

The MNP code was developed by an Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) working committee made up of representatives of mobile phone carriers, community groups, local government and union representatives.

The code was registered by the ACA 1 March 2004, making it enforceable. It is on both the ACIF and ACA websites.

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