does the FCC rules for number portability apply to prepaid cell phones?
Wireless Local Number Portability Wireless local number portability (WLNP) allows wireless subscribers to change service providers within a given location while retaining the same phone number. Wireless consumers who wish to port their phone number must contact the prospective new carrier, who will start the process of porting by contacting the consumer’s current carrier. Overview Since November, 2003, wireless local number portability (WLNP) has been available in the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). That is, within the largest 100 MSAs (link to top 100 list, MSA counties list), customers have been able to port their numbers between wireless carriers, and to and from wireline carriers as well. Beginning May 24, 2004, customers in areas outside the 100 largest MSAs will also be able to experience the benefits of wireless number portability. Wireless carriers serving areas outside the 100 largest markets must be capable of porting by May 24, 2004, or six months after they f
Wireless Local Number Portability Wireless local number portability (WLNP) allows wireless subscribers to change service providers within a given location while retaining the same phone number. Wireless consumers who wish to port their phone number must contact the prospective new carrier, who will start the process of porting by contacting the consumer’s current carrier. Overview Since November, 2003, wireless local number portability (WLNP) has been available in the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). That is, within the largest 100 MSAs (link to top 100 list, MSA counties list), customers have been able to port their numbers between wireless carriers, and to and from wireline carriers as well. Beginning May 24, 2004, customers in areas outside the 100 largest MSAs will also be able to experience the benefits of wireless number portability. Wireless carriers serving areas outside the 100 largest markets must be capable of porting by May 24, 2004, or six months after they f
When Lounise Williams, a student at Baruch College in New York City, wanted to replace the prepaid cell phone plan that she had with T-Mobile, she turned to AT&T Wireless. With no existing credit, AT&T was the only carrier to offer her a contract without a down payment. As her year long contract for $39.99 a month (600 anytime minutes and unlimited nights and weekends) draws to an end, Williams is considering taking her business back to T-Mobile. “I travel and when I go into another state, I don’t want to pay roaming foes,” says Williams, who was never advised that AT&T had better service plans. Williams also complains about error messages and the difficulty in paying her bill online. With higher rates and subpar service behind her, she’s happy to make the switch. “Besides I get to keep my number,” she says. Since it’s inception Nov. 24, 2003, at least 1 million wireless subscribers have taken advantage of the Federal Communications Commission’s Local Number Portability (LNP) rules. Th
