July 19th, 2007
Measure Will Help Consumers Keep Their Numbers When Switching Communication Services
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today approved legislation to expand number portability rules sponsored by Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). The Same Number Act of 2007 (S. 1769) would assist consumers who seek to keep the same phone number when switching between voice service providers. S.1769 would expedite the number portability process and ensure that it covers all voice services in order to help consumers take advantage of less expensive and innovative choices.
“Many consumers prefer to take their current number when switching to a new provider, but if this process is burdensome or slow, it may deter consumers from changing services,” said Senator Stevens. “Congress must ensure that consumers are not hampered by delays or protracted procedures which arise from switching to new providers. This legislation would require the FCC to revisit its number portability rules and extend them to all applicable voice communications services.”
The Same Number Act of 2007 would specifically:
- direct the FCC to establish porting timelines for different classes of number portability [there are some technical differences depending on the type of provider (wireline vs. wireless) and how many services (voice, data, and video) are being ported];
- establish data exchange requirements for each class of number portability; and
- require annual reports for the first five years from providers so that any needed changes or adjustments can be made.
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