Telephone users switching companies will be able to keep the same phone number under a determination released today by the Commerce Commission.
The determination sets out the standards for implementing industry-wide telephone number portability in New Zealand, and a formula for allocating between carriers the cost of providing the number portability services.
Industry participants are required to provide number portability on the terms set out in the determination by 1 April 2007.
Number portability makes it easier for customers to switch telecommunications service providers by allowing customers who switch provider to keep their existing telephone number.
While local number portability is currently available to some customers, the determination sets a path for an efficient industry-wide solution that will provide number portability for all local and cellular users.
"Universal number portability will improve competition in the local and cellular markets," said Telecommunications Commissioner Douglas Webb.
"While number portability will be a requirement from April 2007, I have asked industry participants to do their best to bring forward the availability date."
The full determination, including an Executive Summary of the Commission's determination, is available on the website, under Industry Regulation > Telecommunications > Number Portability.
