06 November 2007

The communications watchdogs have refused to step in to help
Voice Over IP (VoIP) users who want to keep their phone number when
switching service providers. It appears some providers are
exploiting a loophole in the industry's self-regulated code that
requires them to "port" numbers on request.

Small businessman Justin Avery recently approached the
Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman after he struggled to find a
service provider who would port his number. Mr Avery says he sensed
an effective restraint of trade.

But the ombudsman just told him to call the government
regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority. And
ACMA told him it was hoping VoIP service providers could "sort the
matter out among themselves".