Cable & Wireless Optus' Director of Regulatory and Public Affairs, Stephe Wilks, applauded today's decision by the ACCC on number portability pricing principles - labelling it a victory for common sense.

"The decision effectively sets the cost of customer churn at zero, ensuring that customers can choose to change carriers without penalty," he said.

Under the decision, carriers bear their own costs in relation to call conveyance, systems set-up and administration.

"The ACCC ruling provides carriers with a significant incentive to become more efficient through the elimination of all costs associated with the customer churn process. It also brings Australia into line with world's best practice for customer churn settlements and follows a similar decision by the United Kingdom's Mergers & Monopoly Commission (MMC) in 1995.

"Simple and fair pricing principles in relation to number portability is undoubtedly in the best interests of a competitive telecommunications industry. Not only will customers benefit from being able to move more freely between carriers, but new entrants will also benefit through easier access to customers and reduced call routing costs," said Mr Wilks.

For more information:
Stephen Woodhill
Cable & Wireless Optus
Phone: 02 9342 7850
Email: stephen.woodhill@cwo.com.au