Direct Charges for Number Portability in Slovakia: Do They Act as Disincentive of Use of Number Portability?

Abstract

The increase of direct charges for number portability by the largest mobile operator in Slovakia raises the question whether the direct charges act as disincentive of use of number portability.The Telecommunications Office expressed itself that based on the volume of ported telephone numbers and taking into account benefits offered by recipient operator there was no evidence of disincentive of use of portability by customers. The question is whether the volume of traffic and provided benefits are the factors that really confirm that retail prices do not deter competition in Slovakia or whether the increase of the retail price for NP by almost 20% by Orange is in line with regulatory and competition laws.In the article there is described the development of number portability in Slovakia, actual status and the proposal for the next steps. The linkage with the competition law is outlined as increased direct charges, if being excessive, may represent abuse of a dominant position.