OLYMPIA, Wash.-Illuminet Inc. said it began implementing its platform for local number portability. Under the first phase of local number portability, customers will be allowed to switch carriers without having to change their phone numbers.
Number portability is a requirement of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Local exchange carriers must have local number portability to sell long-distance service and interexchange carriers must have it to offer local service, Illuminet said.
“This will have an immediate impact on businesses and individuals seeking better service or lower rates, but who would be reluctant to switch carriers if they had to change phone numbers,” said Ray Donnelly, the company’s vice president of marketing and sales.
