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SATRA withdraws ban on call-back
in South Africa
The South African Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (SATRA) has confirmed that the status of call-back remains the same as it was before their recent ruling, following the withdrawal of their proposed 1st September ban on call-back operations in South Africa.
No one, neither operator nor customer, will be prosecuted, nor can they be in terms of the statements made by SATRA subsequent to their first ruling on the status of call-back.
After negotiation, the South African Call-Back Association (SACBA) is now working more closely with SATRA and the High Court to arrive at a decision as to whether call-back is illegal or not, in terms of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
SACBA and its members have received strong support from commerce, industry and certain government departments. In addition, the public response has been overwhelmingly in favour of call-back showing that South African consumers want realistically priced, internationally competitive telecommunications services.
SACBA maintains that the call-back industry fulfils a vital niche role in the development of telecommunications. Call-back companies have been operating successfully in South Africa for the past 5 years and users of these services are realising savings of up to 60% on their international calls.
SACBA consists of 11 call-back companies representing all the major industry participants and binds its members to a strict code of conduct and ethics. The call-back industry operates widely in many other countries around the globe, where it is a function of free enterprise and a competitive market force.
In light of the above, it is "business as usual" in South Africa for SACBA's members who are: CSI, Global Communications Network, Intouch Telecommunications, Kallback Africa, Mastercall, Telegroup, TelePassport Southern Africa, TPP Communications, Ursus Telecom and WorldPhone.
Ends
Issued by: De Kock & Kerkhoff Communications Consultants
Enquiries: Neville Huxham (011) 706-8823
