NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: May 20, 2010 Mark Wigfield, 202-418-0253 Email: mark.wigfield@fcc.gov FCC SPEEDS NUMBER TRANSFERS FOR CONSUMERS CHANGING CARRIERS Streamlining of Number Portability Increases Market Competition Washington, D.C. -- Consumers will be able to transfer their phone numbers to new providers much more quickly following action taken by the Federal Communications Commission today. The action makes markets more competitive since delay in “porting” a phone number -- moving it from one provider to another -- can inconvenience consumers and cause them to abandon efforts to switch providers. Last May, the Commission adopted an Order that reduces the time allowed for transferring a number from four business days to one. The change affects most transfers of a phone number from one wireline provider to another, or between a wireline and a wireless provider, or between a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provider and another provider. Completing the task begun last May, today’s Order streamlines the number porting process by standardizing the information that providers must exchange, based upon recommendations from participants in the proceeding. The deadline for compliance is August 2 for all but small providers, which must comply by February 2, 2011. Action by the Commission May 20, 2010 by Report and Order (FCC 10-85). Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners Copps, McDowell, Clyburn and Baker. Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners Copps, McDowell, Clyburn and Baker issuing separate statements. Docket Nos.: WC Docket No. 07-244 and CC Docket No. 95-116 Wireline Competition Bureau Staff Contact: Marilyn Jones at 202-418-2357 --FCC-- News about the Federal Communications Commission can also be found on the Commission’s web site www.fcc.gov.