PUBLICATION:  ICT WORLD

DATE:  19 NOVEMBER 2007

Nov 19, 2007

087 prefix for free fax-to-e-mail not allowed - Integr8 FAX

The use of number 087 as a prefix for the delivery of a free-fax-to-e-mail service is not legal, says Walter Bredell, head of Integr8 FAX.

Bredell’s warning comes in the wake of recent media reports about an established joint venture introducing a new service into the fax-to-e-mail space.

Integr8 IT cites recent correspondence with legal experts and professional practitioners that claim the only legal fax-to-e-mail service is on the 086 number range and 087 number ranges have been allocated for VoIP and not for fax-to-e-mail services.

"There is a great deal of misconception in the market, the gist of which is based on number allocation for the fax-to-e-mail service. Our investigation into the legality of the 087 prefix has resulted in confirmation from the legal fraternity that using this prefix, in terms of the fax-to-e-mail service, may constitute an offence in terms of the Electronics Communications Act," explains Bredell.

Integr8 FAX, which falls under the Integr8 Group, is an established service provider within the free fax-to-e-mail space.

"There is a growing awareness within the market about the advantages of acquiring a free fax-to-e-mail service. The main benefits include an increase in productivity, a reduction in cost of ownership of key communications infrastructure and a meaningful contribution towards the environment," adds Bredell.

"However whilst there is progress being made in terms of user education, there is also a swell in operators heading for this space and wanting to capitalise off the focus of existing and potential investors," he continues.

"Unfortunately this means that not everyone can - or is willing to provide a bone fide, quality service to users. It is in our best interests to highlight discrepancies and misperception in order to ensure that people get real value for money."