Number Portability a Desired Service in the USA

A survey for NightFire Software, conducted by Harris Interactive of US cellphone users has found that mobile number portability is a highly desired service. The survey polled more than 2,500 U.S. adult respondents (18+) of which 1,616 indicated they were mobile phone users. 65% of mobile phone users said they definitely or probably would not switch service providers within the next 12 months - 11% said they definitely or probably would switch carriers in the next 12 months.

The USA's telecoms regulator, the FCC recently announced it would review whether to delay the deadline for implementing wireless number portability, currently set for Nov. 24th or withdraw the WNP mandate altogether. As the FCC re-evaluates its stance on WNP, the wireless industry remains divided over the issue. On one side of the debate are some wireless service providers who are vehemently opposed to further regulation; on the other side are some smaller carriers and state public utility commissions who are demanding that the WNP mandate move forward as originally planned. That leaves the approximately 120 million Americans who use mobile phones stuck in the middle.

The FCC's decision is expected soon.

The study was conducted by Harris Interactive via its Quick Query online omnibus between April 3-5, 2002, interviewing a nationwide sample of 2,504 U.S. adults (18+). The margin of error is (+/-2.0) percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. The data were propensity-weighted to be representative of the total U.S. adult population.'"

Posted to the site on 9th May 2002