WASHINGTON-The wireless industry’s concerns about customer churn if wireless local number portability is implemented could come to pass if the results of a recent survey are any indication.
According to Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), who released the survey results on Wednesday, 42 million customers would switch their mobile-phone carriers if they could keep their telephone numbers.
“They want to avoid competition, particularly competition on service,” said Schumer.
The Web-based survey was conducted by telecommunications consulting firm TMNG last month and included 2,719 respondents. More than 70 percent said that keeping their telephone numbers was important, and 29 percent said they would change carriers if they could keep their phone numbers.
Schumer said this 29-percent number represented 42 million customers.
Schumer is the sponsor of the cell-phone user bill of rights, which would, among other things, mandate wireless LNP.
The timing of Schumer’s press event is important because the Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday may consider an amendment to a bill regarding media ownership that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission from implementing wireless LNP.
