STATEMENT OF
CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI
Re: Nationwide Number Portability, WC Docket No. 17-244; Numbering Policies for Modern 
Communications, WC Docket No. 13-97.
In his classic 1981 anthem, Tommy Tutone begs, “Jenny, don’t change your number. 867-
5309.”
1
  Unfortunately for Tommy, if Jenny today wanted to switch her service to certain smaller, non-
nationwide carriers, she very well might not be able to keep her phone number.
But today we begin considering ways to change that.  We propose removing outdated rules that 
may impede so-called nationwide number portability.  And we start to explore how to support greater 
choice by letting a consumer keep her number no matter the carrier she chooses.  This will help everyone 
benefit from competition.
Thanks to the dedicated staff for their efforts: Bill Andrle, Ken Carlberg, Terry Cavanaugh, Alex 
Espinoza, Heather Hendrickson, Dan Kahn, Rick Mallen, Timothy May, Kris Monteith, Claudia Pabo,
Sherwin Siy, Jerome Stanshine, and Ann Stevens.
                                                     
1
Tommy Tutone, 867-5309/Jenny, Tommy Tutone 2, Columbia Records, 1981.