Press Releases
Canada 's Wireless Industry to Implement Number Portability
Customers to have the option of retaining phone numbers when changing service providers
OTTAWA - April 21, 2005 - The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) is pleased to announce that Canada 's wireless carriers* have agreed to implement number portability in Canada , and have begun the planning efforts required to achieve this result.
Number portability will enable Canada 's wireless customers to keep the same phone number when changing service providers within the same local serving area. Consistent with the Government of Canada's definition of wireless number portability, customers will also be able to keep the same phone number when transferring their landline phone service to wireless service and vice versa.
"In support of the recent Federal budget directive to move expeditiously to implement wireless number portability, the CWTA will contract an independent consultant to complete a comprehensive project plan outlining specific milestones for this process," said CWTA President and CEO Peter Barnes. "It is expected that the plan will be completed by September 1, 2005 ." Upon approval of the plan and agreement on a common start date, it is the intention of CWTA and the wireless carriers to begin the implementation of the plan.
The implementation of number portability is a massive and complex undertaking. This initial planning stage is critical to ensure that Canadians are not burdened with the significant implementation challenges that were faced by customers in other countries. Government representatives will be invited to observe this process and to assist where appropriate.
The wireless industry looks forward to continuing to provide Canada 's 15 million wireless phone subscribers with the world class services they have come to expect from Canada 's wireless carriers.
Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA)
CWTA is the authority on wireless issues, developments and trends in Canada . It represents cellular, PCS, messaging, mobile radio, fixed wireless and mobile satellite carriers as well as companies that develop and produce products and services for the industry.
* Aliant Mobility, Bell Mobility, Bruce Municipal Telephone System, MTS Mobility, Rogers Wireless (including Fido), SaskTel Mobility, Sogetel Mobilité, Télébec Mobilité, TBayTel Mobility and TELUS Mobility.
For more information, contact :
Marc Choma
(613) 233-4888 ext. 207
mchoma@cwta.ca
This news release contains forward-looking statements which represent CWTA's best judgement as to what may occur in the future. However, actual outcome and results are not guaranteed and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and may differ from what is expressed.
