WASHINGTON-The Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association on Wednesday asked the Federal Communications Commission to rule that a wireless carrier must allow its customers to keep their telephone numbers if they transfer to a wireless carrier.
The mobile-phone industry-after various delays granted by federal regulators to wireless carriers that have criticized local number portability as prohibitively expensive and unnecessary-is supposed to begin implementing LNP this November to enable wireless subscribers to hold onto their phone numbers if they switch mobile-phone operators.
“If wireless number portability is to go forward on the basis and timetable the commission has ordered, a declaratory ruling is necessary to remove uncertainty about the extent of wireline local exchange carriers’ obligation to meet consumer requests to port numbers to wireless carriers,” the CTIA petition states. “This is neither a new nor difficult issue, but its correct and timely resolution is critical if the expectations of consumers-expectations created by the commission’s own statements-are to be met.”
