*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 29728* Federal Communications Commission FCC 03- 126 SEPARATE STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL J. COPPS Re: Numbering Resource Optimization, Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Telephone Number Portability, Fourth Report and Order in CC Docket No. 99- 200 and CC Docket No. 95- 116 and Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 99- 200 Today we are moving forward to ensure that carriers around the country deploy local number portability. Portability frees consumers from the hassle and financial hardship associated with switching to a new number and allows consumers to take advantage of the latest and most current calling plans offered by the industry. Portability also provides a related benefit— it aids our efforts to conserve numbers. The progress we make, however, depends on both the good faith efforts of carriers and the vigilance of our state partners. We trust that when consumers demand it, carriers will make requests of other carriers for the provision of local number portability. This is true today for wireline carriers and will become true for wireless carriers later this fall. We also trust that states will monitor closely carrier requests and not hesitate to use the delegated authority we grant them in this Order. I, for one, urge state commissions to step in and set new rules if there is evidence of consumer demand for local number portability that is not being met through carrier requests. As in any other competitive market, consumers who are unhappy or dissatisfied with a provider should be able to pack up and bring their business elsewhere. I expect our rules to deliver such benefits to consumers, but stand willing to revisit the principles we adopt here today if time proves they do not. 1