Room-Provider

Currently, all phone service subscribers are required to change telephone numbers when switching between carriers. However, thanks to a Congressional mandate and action by the FCC, this is about to change. The cost and inconvenience of changing phone numbers were seen as obstacles to competition in both the local and wireless telecom industries. The Telecom Act of 1996 addressed the issue of keeping your phone number when switching to a new wireless service provider.  
The term used to refer to this capability, "LNP" or Local Number Portability, describes the concept from a technical perspective, but is not entirely. First, it focuses on the steps that the wireless service provider must take to port telephone numbers, and does not reflect consumer needs or benefits. Second, local telephone numbers in the wireless industry are much more dynamic than in the landline telephone market. Wireless services often have a local calling area comprised of entire states! From a consumer's point of view, "Wireless Number Retention" would be a more appropriate description.  
For wireless subscribers, it's important to be able to retain a wireless telephone number when switching carriers. By definition, wireless numbers cover a larger regional area. While most wireless service providers will continue to refer to number portability, from the consumer point of view, retaining an established phone number is the key benefit.  
Why have the wireless carriers suddenly decided to implement this great feature? The need for LNP was addressed in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which also mandated many of the other changes in the communications industry over the past 7 years.  
The Telecom Act of 1996 allowed new and emerging service providers to compete in the local telephone market. The FCC, the governmental agency responsible for drafting and approving the legislation, believed that a key barrier to entry into the local telephone market was consumer reluctance to part with an existing telephone number. To address this concern, one provision in the law required existing local telephone companies to "port" or transfer the telephone number to a new service provider when requested by the consumer. This provision was then broadened to include wireless telephone numbers.  
Due to the complexity of implementation, wireless local number portability is just beginning, while number portability for wireline consumers has been in place for several years. Now finally, after several delays that allowed service providers to upgrade their network, wireless consumers will finally be able to change carriers, yet retain the same mobile telephone number.  
As with any major telecommunications service change, some minor hiccups may occur. However, minimal impact to the quality of service is expected. Consumers will benefit by having more upgrade options whether they are dissatisfied with their current wireless carrier or looking for new features and services.  
There are still some downsides to Local Number Portability. For instance, most carriers in the U.S. utilize incompatible technologies, so consumers will not be able to keep their existing mobile telephone device when switching. Also, all terms of the existing wireless contract will still apply, such as early termination penalties. Before switching carriers or entering into a new contract, call your existing provider's customer service to understand all issues and options.  
Overall, the availability of Local Number Portability will probably not drastically alter the wireless service provider landscape. The net effect of subscribers switching their existing services is not expected to change current market share among wireless carriers. It is likely to result in more bundling options however, and hopefully accelerate the deployment of new wireless product and services. In the end, this will benefit all customers, regardless of which wireless service provider they select.

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