LOCAL NUMBER PORTABILITY EXPLAINED

Harrisburg, Nov. 24, 2003 – State Sen. Connie Williams reminds constituents that a new Federal Communications Commission rule allowing wireless telephone users to retain their current number if they switch wireless telephones or companies is now in effect in major metropolitan areas across the country, including Philadelphia.

“This is great news for people who frequently update cell phones with new technology, and for those changing carriers,” Williams said. “People with wirelines, or landlines as they are often called, have for years been able to keep their old telephone number when they changed carriers. Now this convenience will be available to cellular phone customers. There are a few things people need to remember, however, to avoid paying early termination fees and other costs.”

The FCC’s local number portability rule allows consumers to switch wireless carriers within the same geographic area and keep their existing phone number. However, the rule does not allow people to terminate their contract with a provider early. Anyone who cancels their policy before it is due to expire will still be responsible for any early termination fees.

To initiate the process:

• Do not terminate your service with your existing carrier before initiating service with the prospective new carrier.
• Contact the prospective new carrier, who will start the process of porting by contacting your current carrier.
• You may request service from a new carrier at any time, but be aware that you are obligated to pay any early termination fees and any outstanding balance owed to your old carrier. Consumers should review their existing contract to determine what fees or charges apply.
• “Keep in mind that once you request service from a new carrier, the old carrier is not allowed to refuse to port your number,” Williams said.
• Carriers are permitted to charge a fee to recover their “porting” costs and that fee may vary from company to company. Williams suggested consumers ask their perspective carrier about its policy of paying or reimbursing these charges.
• Wireless transfers should work within a few hours of making the request. A wireline to wireless transfer may take several business days to complete. People who transfer their phone number from a wireline phone to a wireless should keep in mind that their long distance carrier will not move with the number. Consumers should verify that information with their new wireless carrier before changing service providers.
• In Pennsylvania, the metropolitan areas of Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Carlisle, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton will be the first areas required by the FCC to transfer wireless numbers. Wireless providers in other areas of the state must be capable of implementing wireless local number porting no later than six months after the initial Nov. 24th deadline.

For more information on the issue visit FCC’s Web site at www.fcc.gov/cgb/NumberPotability/ or contact FCC’s Consumer Center at (888) CALL-FCC (888-225-5322) for voice or (888) TELL-FCC (888-835-5322) for TTY.