CHICAGO-Regional wireless carrier U.S. Cellular Corp. said in a statement that while it applauds the Federal Communications Commission’s ruling this week providing for wireline to wireless number portability beginning Nov. 24, the carrier thinks both industries are unprepared to meet increased consumer expectations that the process will be readily available on that date.
“We agree with the FCC’s move to give consumer more telecommunications choices, but we believe consumers are being misled on one important point-ease of transfer,” said John Rooney, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Cellular. “Wireline to wireless number portability has been portrayed as a relatively simple switch, when in fact the two industries have yet to start working on this complex technical issue that involves ensuring a timely number transition. The FCC has raised consumers’ expectations to the point where they believe this will be an easy transfer, and that simply is not the case.”
Rooney added that while U.S. Cellular will do its best to accommodate the FCC ruling, the challenges in meeting the timeframe requirement will lead to consumer confusion.
