[29 April 2012]

In April 2012, ICASA published a Code of Conduct for a new initiative called Carrier Pre-Selection Phase 1. This allows you to choose a different service provider for each outgoing call, potentially saving money on fixed and mobile voice calls (local, national, and international). The goal is to promote competition among service providers and ultimately bring you better deals.

Code of Conduct for Carrier Pre-Selection Phase 1

The Code serves as a roadmap to establish and manage CPS Phase 1 services effectively. It prioritizes both the success of these services and the best interests of their users. Additionally, the Code ensures compliance with current legal and regulatory frameworks governing CPS Phase 1.

Related documents:
Carrier Preselection Phase 1 Regulations 2010 (as amended)(27 September 2010)
CPS Phase 1 Regulations 2010 Reasons Document (20 August 2010)
Notice of amendment of CPS Phase 1 Regulations 2010 (27 September 2010)
Consumer Guide to Carrier Preselection Phase 1

Note:

Launched in theory in April 2014, CPS Phase 1 hasn’t seen widespread adoption. This is because existing phone companies (fixed and mobile) set call origination rates for CPS calls too high. These high rates make it unprofitable for new competitors to offer CPS, limiting customer choice and potential savings.

While the regulatory body (ICASA) has addressed call termination rates, regulating call origination for CPS (a more complex task) hasn’t been tackled yet. This lack of regulation on origination rates is a key reason why CPS hasn’t reached its full potential.