I have now spoken with another person in Telstra who says there are 2700
numbers still allocated (but not all those are being actively used). I
have also been informed that it has not been a requirement to maintain
ANY other Telstra services to keep your 0500 number for "some time" so
there are many people who are just renting the numbers alone.

Consequently I have lodged a formal complaint on the following grounds
and I would urge all concerned to do the same:

1. There is no alternative service currently on offer that is an
adequate substitute for the 0500 service.

2. 0500 numbers were marketed as "one number for life" and despite
legislation which enables Telstra to discontinue a service with 14
months advance notice, this is contrary to the original offer made by
Telstra.

3. People keep business cards and stationery from professionals for an
indefinite period so no transition period is long enough to ensure that
my business does not lose revenue as a result of losing our 0500
numbers.

Whilst it has been explained to me that there are "technical reasons"
why the 0500 service is doomed and I don't expect anything can be done
about it, I do hope Telstra fully recognises the disadvantage we are at
and offers suitable conpensation. Item 2 alone is grounds for legal
action.


--
solmanic