Phone Number Portability Arrives In Canada Wednesday

There’s one thing you can always say about the uber-rich owner of Virgin Mobile – he certainly knows how to make an entrance.

Sir Richard Branson was in Toronto Tuesday for another spectacular opening salvo. He was suspended high above Yonge-Dundas Square in a jail cell, which broke open and allowed him to rappel down to the ground below.

The reason for his daredevil act: to promote the fact that number portability is finally ‘freeing up’ your cell phone starting Wednesday.

It means you’ll be able to switch mobile phone providers and take your current number with you, or transfer your home phone number to your cell if you want to.

The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission actually approved the idea in 2005, but the industry pleaded for time to implement it.

They were given 24 months – and then that time period was shortened by about half a year. The magic date is March 14th – Wednesday.

The service has long been available in the U.S.

Now, at last, it’s happening here.

“It’s taken two years for this to finally come,” the British entrepreneur grins. “I think two years is too long actually, but anyway, at least from tomorrow, people are free. They are free to move from one mobile phone company to another and they are free to bring their mobile phone with them. That will make an enormous difference to competition here in Canada.

“In the past, the major mobile phone companies just didn’t have to worry about what price they charged or what service they offered because they knew they had you locked in.

“Now they no longer have you locked in, and they’re going to have to sharpen their pencils and they are going to have to offer a much better quality service than they have in the past.”

He’s hoping your new choice will be his company.

But there are no restrictions, expect for those who have signed contracts.

They may be forced to wait until they run out before they can hang up on their old providers or they may be able to pay a series of fees to break their long term deals. 

In some cases, those fees will be more than they’ll wind up saving by making the switch.

Consumers are looking forward to the change.

“It’s good to be able to keep my number because then I don’t have to tell everyone what my new number is,” relates John Kim.

“Some people are just connected through their cell phone so it’s an awesome, awesome thing to do,” exults N ela Urbanska.

Experts predict better rates overall for consumers, as companies look to keep your business.

But phone providers worry about ‘churn’, a sudden or constant switching from one firm to another that could impact their bottom lines.

There’s no law forcing you to move if you’re happy with your current service. It’s just that as of Wednesday, you can.

And that’s something to phone home about – no matter what your number is.

To see Consumer Specialist Jee-Yun Lee’s new blog featuring her full interview with Sir Richard Branson, click here.

Number Portability Basics

What Is It?

A policy that lets you switch from one wireless phone company to another without losing your current number.

How Do I Do It?

Check the deals being offered by the other companies and find the one you like. Contact them and give them the go-ahead, and they’ll do the rest, including getting in touch with your old firm to make the switch.

But don’t disconnect your service first. You need a working phone with a working number to make it happen.

You’ll likely be asked to choose a brand new calling plan, so things will go faster if you do your research and know which one you want. But be sure to ask if the company you’re looking at has any special deals to ‘welcome’ new customers like you.

You’ll also likely have to set new passwords and registration for voice mail or other services you used with your old phone. 

What Does It Cost?

Like all good things in business, the switch may not be free. Some companies may demand a small service charge for the privilege. Others might not. Ask before you say OK.

What If I Have A Contract?

You may be required to stay with it until the term is over or you may be able to get out of it by paying a series of cancellations fees. Check with your provider.

What Do I Need To Know?

You may need some of the info off your old phone bill, like your account number, as well as the ESN serial number off your phone. You may have to take the battery out to find it.

How Long Does It Take?

You phone could be out of commission for about 2 and a half hours before the new hook-up is ready. It could take up to two days if you’re transferring a landline to a cell or vice versa.

Is My City Included?

Most of the big ones are. To check the CRTC list, click here. Note that any items not displayed in bold are eligible.