Implementation Overview

A Measured and Well-Structured Plan Can Help Canada Set New Global Standard for Implementing Wireless Number Portability

PricewaterhouseCoopers, September 2005; conclusion from Implementing Wireless Number Portability: Setting a New World-Class Standard

In addition to the technical complexity, the biggest obstacle to a successful WNP implementation is the challenge of balancing a kaleidoscope of overlapping and competing interests across the national pool of stakeholders. Stakeholder support is critical to plan development and implementation, which must be recognized as effective, efficient and fair.

As outlined in this report, we believe that the earliest and most expedient national common launch date for WNP is Wednesday, September 12, 2007 . The capability would be launched in exchanges where LNP exists at the time and cover simple and complex ports and resellers. It will be built upon the infrastructure and processes used for LNP today, but modified to accommodate the needs of wireless customers, both consumer and business. All stakeholders who have had input to this plan have committed to keeping the customer experience as a focal point for decision making. WNP would be rolled out to those non-LNP exchanges in conjunction with a CRTC-approved process for opening new wireline areas.

What gives us a high level of confidence in the integrity of these recommendations is more than just the breadth and depth of our inquiry process in conducting interviews with key industry stakeholders; consulting with the internal and external specialists and professionals that comprise the PwC telecommunications practice; reviewing independent research on WNP from around the world; and evaluating a full complement of strategic, tactical and technical alternatives for introducing WNP in Canada.

What also gives us the ability to stand behind each of these recommendations with confidence is that our arriving at these conclusions in an independent and objective manner disciplined by the crucial set of strategic planning principles. At each step of the process, we went to great lengths to apply these planning principles rigorously and methodically to our analyses of all alternatives and options.

Finally, we believe that if these recommendations are used to support a consensus-based, customer-friendly WNP implementation, Canada will have established itself in a position to define a new world-class standard in WNP implementation not perhaps, as a stated goal in and of itself, but as a natural outcome of a well-conceived, stakeholder-supported and industry-led initiative.

Download a complete copy of the PwC Plan here: PricewaterhouseCoopers WNP Implementation Plan