Guide To Wireless Number Portability in Canada

Hooray! March 14 is an important day for the mobile community in Canada. On this day, Wireless Number Portability or WNP was announced universally throughout the country. With this implementation, cellphone users can use their existing phone numbers when they switch carriers, thus making the number “portable.” That doesn’t do you much good if you’re already locked into a contract, but those of you riding a month-to-month plan are free to switch and take your number along with you.
Here’s everything you need to know about Wireless Number Portability in Canada:
What is Wireless Number Portability (WNP)?
WNP is the capability of a wireless consumer to change his wireless service provider. This also applies to a switch from a wireline phone to a wireless phone and vice versa.
Why is WNP not already available?
Number portability has met a lot of resistance from wireless providers. They have to shoulder the initial expenses, although they are allowed to pass it on to consumers later. It also minimizes the ability of wireless provider to lock down their customers. With WNP, wireless customers could change carriers if they are dissatisfied with them.
History of WNP Implementation
Singapore became the first country in the world to implement WNP, putting it in place in 1997. This only applied to wireless networks however, but in November 10, 2003, the U.S. FCC rules that number portability applied to landline phones. Later that month, the FCC allowed operators to charge consumers for the overhead. On March 14, Canada will only be the second country in the world to implement wireless-to-wireless, wireless-to-wireline and wireline-to-wireless portability.
Things You Need to Know About WNP
If you are planning to switch carriers on or after March 14, there are a few things you must remember before you do.
1. DO NOT CANCEL your existing wireless plan. You may lose your number because only active numbers will be eligible for portability. Sign up with another provider first then inform your old provider and they will transfer your number for you. You may also have to face hefty fees when you decide to switch.
2. Number portability works within a local calling area. Ask your new provider if they can service you using your current number.
3. Most handsets in Canada use one of two connectivity standards, CDMA (used by Telus and Bell) and GSM (Rogers and Fido). These two standards are incompatible with one another. Even between networks using the same standards, you will need to verify with your new provider if they support the cellphone model as some networks do not like servicing cellphone models that they have not fully tested.
4. Mobile units that come from networks using GSM are SIM locked, so you will not be able to use it if you switched carriers. Additionally, if your mobile phone came with your service plan, some providers will ask you to give the handset back.
5. To be eligible for number portability, you have to be the primary account holder. When you pay your new wireless provider a visit, you’ll need your mobile phone and your recent monthly bill. If you cannot provide your monthly bill, your new provider will need the following information: account #, password and PIN, your ESN/MEID numbers listed on the back of the phone below the battery.
6. Be prepared for delays and other hitches. According to the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association, you may not be able to use your number for several hours after your transfer it from one provider to another. If it’s a wireline to wireless switch or vice versa, the delay may stretch for several days.
7. Service contracts will remain effective. You will have to pay your old service provider if you want to get out of a contract that hasn’t expired. Outstanding bills will also have to be paid.
8. Be aware of additional fees. There may be additional charges required by either your old or new service provider for keeping your number. This could be of any amount. Since number portability is going to cost money to implement, wireless providers can legally pass the financial burden onto to their customers.


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