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Wireless Number Portability Now Available for Canadian Cellphone Consumers |
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Written by Staff
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Wednesday, 14 March 2007 |
Starting today cellphone consumers in most of Canada will be able to retain their phone number when changing cellphone service providers.
Today's announcement by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is the result of a decision in 2005 that would require Canadian cellphone service providers to implement wireless number portability (WNP) by March 14, 2007.
Consumers who live in areas where local number portability is currently available will now be able to transfer their phone numbers between cellphone service providers. Consumers are cautioned however that handsets may not function on another carrier's network because of differing network technologies.
Not only will consumers be able to retain their phone number between cellphone providers but also from traditional (wireline) phones to cell service providers and vice versa. If however, cellphone users move between communities or local exchange areas at the same time they change service providers, they may not be able to retain their number. VoIP technology is included in the new regulations.
The CRTC suggests that consumers wishing to change providers should verify the terms and conditions before the end of their existing service contract as they might be subjected to early termination fees.
More information can be found at http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/info_sht/t1025.htm . |
