*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 33249* Federal Communications Commission FCC 03- 284 SEPARATE STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN MICHAEL K. POWELL Re: In re Telephone Number Portability; CTIA Petitions for Declaratory Ruling on Wireline- Wireless Porting Issues; CC Docket No. 95- 116 After today it’s easier than ever to cut the cord. By firmly endorsing a customer’s right to untether themselves from the wireline network – and take their telephone number with them – we act to eliminate impediments to competition between wireless and wireline services. Seamless wireline- to-wireless porting is another landmark on the path to full fledged facilities- based competition. Our action promises significant consumer benefits for wireline and wireless customers. I have heard the concerns expressed by some wireline providers that wireline network architectures and state-imposed rate centers complicate number portability. This proceeding has undoubtedly focused the Commission’s attention on these issues. State regulators have long been champions of local number portability and I appreciate their support. I look forward, however, to working with my colleagues in the states to remove additional barriers to inter- modal local number portability such as the difficulty of some providers to consolidate rate centers to more accurately match wireless carrier service areas. In the end, the consumer benefits associated with inter- modal LNP convince me that the time for Commission action is now. No doubt there will be some bumps in the road to implementation, but I trust that carriers will use their best efforts to ensure consumers have the highest quality experience possible. I look forward to the Commission’s November 24 th trigger for this obligation and to working with my colleagues to ensure that full wireline to wireless portability is a reality for all consumers everywhere. 1