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.
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 first receive a request to port, whichever is later.
A consumer wishing to port a number should contact the prospective new carrier, who will start the process of porting by contacting the consumer's current carrier. Commission rules require carriers to port a number when they receive a valid request, and carriers may not refuse to port. However, consumers are still legally bound by their existing service agreements and should be familiar with any fees they may incur for canceling an existing contract before deciding to port a number to a new carrier.
