As debate heats up over request by wireless carriers that FCC for...
As debate heats up over request by wireless carriers that FCC forbear on wireless local number portability mandate, CTIA officials briefed House Commerce Committee staffers Wed. on issue. Verizon Wireless in July petitioned FCC to exercise forbearance on LNP…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
If your job depends on informed compliance, you need International Trade Today. Delivered every business day and available any time online, only International Trade Today helps you stay current on the increasingly complex international trade regulatory environment.
requirements that begin Nov. 24, and other carriers have backed request and sought at least 30-month reprieve from FCC. State regulators have objected strenuously to Verizon Wireless request, citing what they characterized as lack of detail provided by carrier and potential harm to consumers. Among points CTIA made to staffers were that 1996 Telecom Act required LECs, not wireless carriers, to implement LNP. Wireless market already is competitive and network build-out remains top priority for carriers, CTIA said. It also stressed that carriers already faced other pending requirements, including priority access service, E-911 and pooling, “which are all weighing heavily on resources,” CTIA spokeswoman said. Group told staffers that wireless carriers supported number pooling mandate that also takes effect Nov. 24 and would like FCC to revisit LNP requirement in 2 years. Aside from PUCs, wireless resellers have urged FCC to not forbear on LNP requirement, and Leap Wireless has asked Commission to implement requirement as scheduled.