FCC calls for quicker wireline-to-wireless number porting

The Federal Communications Commission called for an end to delays in porting telephone numbers from one carrier to another, an action responding to complaints from some wireless operators about the lengthy, bureaucratic process of transferring wireline numbers to mobile-phone service providers.
“I . support the actions to streamline the process and time required to switch from wireline to wireless service in order to provide consumers the ability to change providers without undue burden or delay,” stated FCC Chairman Kevin Martin.
The FCC concluded local number portability validation for a simple number port should be limited to four fields including the 10-digit telephone number, the customer account number, 5-digit zip code, and a pass code, if applicable. The agency also tentatively concluded simple ports should be completed within in 48 hours.
For wireless carriers, local number portability delays amounts to a competitive issue. For one Democratic FCC member, the ruling suggests even more.
“A lesson to be learned from the success of local number portability is that the commission should be seeking out additional ways to break down barriers that impede consumers from taking advantage of competition, such as wireless and broadband early termination fees and the locking of phone features,” said Commissioner Michael Copps. “The more we do on such initiatives, the better it will be for consumers and competition. That’s a win-win in my book.”