1 icasa numbering plan regulations – waspa action

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ICASA NUMBERING PLAN REGULATIONS
The regulations that are currently in dispute and require members urgent attention, which has a
proposed implementation date of 2 October 2014, states the following:
25.
Premium Rate Number Changes
1)
Within two (2) years after these Regulations come into force and thereafter, a number may be
a receiving number for a premium rate service only ifa)
the number isi)
a national number that is a premium rate number or a machine related
number, or
ii)
a short code that begins with ‘3’ or ‘4’…
MIGRATION
PREMIUM RATED SERVICES (EXCLUDING MACHINE RELATED SERVICES):
A number may be a receiving number for a premium rate service only if the number is a
national number that is a premium rate number – this refers to the new premium rated 10-digit
090 xxx xxxx number range:
Service number allocations from the following WASP bearer types will be impacted by this regulation:
Premium Rated Services (PRS) provided via:
 Premium Rated IVR;
 Premium Rated IVR Dicon;
 Premium Rated SMS (10-digit numbers);
 Premium Rated MMS (10-digit numbers).
Current situation:
 PRS are received by various premium rated 10-digit numbers, for example 079 xxx xxxx / 082
xxx xxxx;
 These premium rated 10-digit numbers (whatever their current designation) will be migrated
to the premium rated 10-digit 090 xxx xxxx number range;
 After the migration all the old premium rated 10-digit numbers will be deactivated and will be
recalled and assigned for other purposes by ICASA.
Effect of migration:
 MNOs have analysed the current PRS model as it is currently used in practice by WASPs;
 MNOs have made provision for an equal amount of premium rated 10-digit numbers in the
090 xxx xxxx number range as are currently used by WASPs in practice from various
premium rated 10-digit designations;
 Proposed procedure by MNOs: WASPs will be required to complete a ‘PRS Service
Activation Form’;
 WASPs will provide a list of all their current premium rated 10-digit numbers and the
associated price points and request a counterpart in the premium rated 10-digit 090 xxx xxxx
number range;
ICASA NUMBERING PLAN REGULATIONS – WASPA ACTION POINTS
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For example (just for illustration):
o Current list of PR numbers in use:
 5 PR IVR numbers at R 7.50 currently using PR 082 xxx xxxx;
 10 PR SMS numbers at R 5.00 currently using PR 083 xxx xxxx;
 7 PR MMS numbers at R 3.00 currently using PR 087 xxx xxxx.
o These numbers will then be assigned an equal counterpart from the 090 xxx xxxx
range:
 5 PR IVR numbers at R 7.50 migrated to PR 090 xxx xxxx;
 10 PR SMS numbers at R 5.00 migrated to PR 090 xxx xxxx;
 7 PR MMS numbers at R 3.00 migrated to PR 090 xxx xxxx.
This part of the migration will therefore ultimately be a swop from various PR 10-digit numbers
from whatever designation to the PR 10-digit 090 xxx xxxx number range;
After the migration, all PR IVR; PR IVR Dicon; PR SMS and PR MMS should be using the 10digit 090 xxx xxxx range;
PRS provided via the new 090 xxx xxxx range will still be capable of tagging;
MNOs have indicated that when WASPs submit their new ‘PRS Service Activation Form’, they
can indicate if they need a transition period for their old PR 10-digit numbers to still be active.
This will be judged on a case by case basis with supporting material provided. The intention is
to cater for WASPs that have marketing material in circulation which will be effective for the
month or two after the migration, to ensure a smooth as possible change from the advertised
numbers to the new 090 xxx xxxx number range.
PREMIUM RATED SHORT CODES:
A number may be a receiving number for a premium rate service only if the number is a short
code that begins with ‘3’ or ‘4’ – this refers to the 5-digit short code ranges starting with 3xxxx
or 4xxxx.
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Any PR services that are provided by WASPs using a short code may only use 5-digit short
codes beginning with 3xxxx or 4xxxx – this will be the only two ranges used for PRS.
MACHINE RELATED SERVICES (MRS):
26.
Machine Related Number Changes
1)
Within two (2) years after these Regulations come into force all numbers used for machine
related services must have been migrated to the machine related numbers. All new
allocations of machine related numbers will be made within the defined dedicated number
ranges from the date on which these regulations come into force.
All numbers used for machine related services must be migrated to the machine related
numbers. All new allocations of machine related numbers will be made within the defined
dedicated number ranges from the date on which these regulations come into force - this
refers to the new premium rated 14-digit 096 xxx xxxx xxxx / 097 xxx xxxx xxxx / 098 xxx xxxx
xxxx number ranges:
Service number allocations from the following WASP bearer types will be impacted by this regulation:
Machine Related Services (MRS) provided via:
 Bulk SMS;
 Bulk MMS.
ICASA NUMBERING PLAN REGULATIONS – WASPA ACTION POINTS
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Current situation:
 MRS are provided by using various 10-digit numbers, for example 083 xxx xxxx / 082 xxx
xxxx;
 These 10-digit numbers (whatever their current designation) will be migrated to the 14-digit
096 xxx xxxx xxxx / 097 xxx xxxx xxxx / 098 xxx xxxx xxxx number ranges;
 After the migration all the old MRS 10-digit numbers will be deactivated and will be recalled
and assigned for other purposes by ICASA
Effect of migration:
 WASPs use 10-digit numbers along with tagging for various reasons, including but not limited
to tracking, identification purposes, using a unique 10-digit number for various clients with
tagging as the identifier etc.;
 The regulation now requires all Machine Related Services (Bulk SMS and Bulk MMS) to be
migrated to the 14-digit 096/097/098 number ranges;
 This will severely affect WASPs capability of tagging;
 Example:
o WASP is allocated the following number for Bulk SMS – 082 xxx xxxx (old 10-digit
number);
o WASP utilizes this one unique 10-digit number, uses tagging, and the one unique
number is now used for 1 000 clients;
o If these MRS numbers are migrated to the 14-digit 096/097/098 number ranges,
tagging will be impossible;
o WASP will now need to request 1 000 unique 14-digit 096/097/098 numbers in order
to obtain the same result as before with the 10-digit numbers and tagging;
 MNOs are campaigning for MRS (Bulk SMS and Bulk MMS) to be excluded from the
regulations (See further under heading ‘Tagging’).
TAGGING
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Example:
o <096 007 XXXX> <T1T2T3T4> (14 digits in total)
o <096 007 XXXX> = 10 digit service
o <T1T2T3T4> = Tagging
Currently, various WASPs use tagging with their 10-digit PRS numbers and 10-digit MRS
(Bulk SMS and Bulk MMS) numbers;
PRS provided via the new 090 xxx xxxx range will still be capable of tagging;
WASPA and MNOs have tried to explain the impact of moving MRS to a 14-digit number
range and the effect that this will have on tagging and the industry;
Members need to compile a document, with substantiating proof, of the effect and impact on
their respective businesses if MRS are migrated to the 14-digit number range – technical
impact / financial impact / feasibility etc.;
WASPA has sent out a questionnaire to which some members have responded, but we
require information from more members with technical and financial information in order to
compile a more comprehensive and informative document for submission to ICASA in order
for MRS to be excluded.
ICASA NUMBERING PLAN REGULATIONS – WASPA ACTION POINTS
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ON-NET VERSUS OFF-NET
The definition of premium rate service in the regulations states the following:
“premium rate service” means a service such that for every communication made available the charge
incurred by the end user:
i)
could be higher than standard charges for both on-net and off-net communication having the
same originator…
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This is the only reference to on-net and off-net;
ICASA have requested industry role players to submit their position on whether they would
like:
o An on-net model or an off-net model;
The current WASP model is structured around an on-net model;
Members need to weigh up the pros and cons of each model and decide which model is best
suited for their respective businesses and the industry;
MNOs are doing the same exercise and have asked for WASPA’s input and contributions –
members should please submit their views, opinions and questions regarding which model
they prefer and why, to WASPA as soon as possible.
Background:
Note: this is a very basic explanation and by no means encompasses the full concept of the various
models.
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On-net model:
o A WASP is required to have a contract with a specific MNO in order to offer its
services to that MNO’s end-users;
o Therefore, a WASP will usually enter into agreements with each MNO (VC, MTN, Cell
C, Telkom) in order to provide their services to each respective MNO’s end users;
o A WASP will be allocated a short code/number with a specific price point that will be
accessible by each MNO’s end users (if agreements are in place);
o If MNO “XYZ” users access a WASP’s service, example PRS associated with short
code 31234, MNO “XYZ” will be the billing partner and the relationship is between
MNO “XYZ” end user > WASP > MNO “XYZ”;
o If MNO “DEF” users access a WASP’s service, example PRS associated with 31234,
MNO “DEF” will be the billing partner and the relationship is between MNO “DEF” end
user > WASP > MNO “DEF”.
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Off-net model:
o Provision of services via interconnect;
o A WASP will have a contract with any one of the MNOs to offer PRS – not required to
have a contract with all MNOs;
o The PRS will be offered to all end users, irrespective of their associated MNO;
o Therefore, a MNO “XYZ” user can assess a WASP’s service, example PRS
associated with 31234 which was obtained from MNO “DEF” only, the end user will
be subscribed and MNO “XYZ” will be requested to deduct funds on behalf of the
WASP, MNO “DEF” will get a share and MNO “XYZ” will get a share.
ICASA NUMBERING PLAN REGULATIONS – WASPA ACTION POINTS
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Matters to consider:
 Protection of consumers:
o How will DOI work on off-net?
o Who can a consumer turn to with a query – one MNO has a contract with the WASP
but another MNO has to attend to the billing – no contract in place etc.?
 Complaints:
o Example: if a MNO “XYZ” customer is billed and queries this charge, will MNO “XYZ”
be able to say that this is a service operated by WASP X and MNO “DEF” and the
opt-in etc. was not under their control?
o How will complaints be directed?
o Who will have the opt-in details?
 Funds available:
o Example: how will MNO “XYZ” be able to check if the MNO “DEF” end user has
sufficient funds for the service before content is delivered or made accessible?
 Differing levels of regulation/compliance/standards:
o Example: if a MNO “XYZ” customer is subscribed to a MNO “DEF” offered service for
adult content, and they have differing standards, how will this be resolved?
ACTION POINTS
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We need to determine WASPA members point of view regarding on-net v off-net:
o Consider the pros and cons for each model;
o Kindly submit any opinions, views, questions or concerns regarding the on-net or offnet models;
o Please indicate which model you prefer and why.
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We need to submit WASPA members point of view regarding MRS migration:
o Please indicate if your company uses MRS;
o Please provide practical examples of how you use MRS – describe if tagging is used
etc.;
o Please advise on the following:
 Impact on your business if the MRS migration proceeds;
 Technical requirements to facilitate migration;
 Financial impact of the migration;
o We need to provide sufficient information for ICASA to consider excluding MRS (Bulk
SMS and Bulk MMS) from the regulations.
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We need to submit WASPA members point of view regarding PRS migration:
o This migration will definitely take place – the only concern now is the timing thereof;
o We need to submit our request for an extension of the proposed implementation date
of 2 October 2014, or alternatively request that only new services be impacted from 2
October 2014 and then we have to submit a migration plan around our proposed time
line for migrating old services to the new 090 number range;
o Please submit your feedback in this regard.
ICASA NUMBERING PLAN REGULATIONS – WASPA ACTION POINTS
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EXTENSION
WASPA can only truly request for an extension once we have compiled sufficient substantiating
evidence to support such a request as set out in the Action Points.
Therefore, we kindly urge our members to submit a response to the items highlighted in this
document as soon as possible. We need your input in order to present a consolidated presentation
from WASPA to ICASA.
As these Regulations affect all of our businesses and our industry, please take the time to consider
each point and contribute to the discussion. In the absence of sufficient feedback, ICASA will
implement the regulations and the migration will take place whether the industry is ready or not. To
avoid this, we need each member to participate.
Please submit your comments [email protected] before Friday, 22 August at 12:00.
Kind Regards,
WASPA Management Committee
ICASA NUMBERING PLAN REGULATIONS – WASPA ACTION POINTS

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