Finally, after years of consideration and public consultation, the CRTC has issued a decision that requires all Canadian wireless providers to have implemented the technology to support number portability by March 2007 (by releasing their numbers), and to support that technology by September 2007 (by accepting the newly released numbers).
I know I can say that it’s only the lack of number portability that’s kept me from switching wireless providers. While “new-sign-up” deals are sweet, they require I abandon my current number, and I’m just not willing to do that every two years. Through 5 years and 4 addresses, my wireless number has been the only thing that’s stayed constant for people to contact me. I also happen to like the number, and the fact that it’s a 604 instead of a 778 area code. I don’t know why… I just do.
Now I’m curious to see what kind of retention deals the mobile companies will put in place. At this point, all I get when I renew my contract is a few dollars off a new phone. Perhaps now that they can’t hold my number hostage they’ll work a bit harder to keep my business.
Ah Sweet!!!!!!
Thanks for pointing that out. I’ve been waiting for this CRTC ruling. Fido has been doing it for 2 years now, but no one else has been following suit.
Until now. Welcome to better rates! I have had my same number for 10 years now, and won’t give it up… Far too good a number… And have stayed with Telus for that whole time because of it.
Mind you, I got a free contract for a year with heavy negotiating last year with them, because I had 2 cell phones and was willing to part with that awesome number if they weren’t willing to deal.
I waited and waited and waited for this decision, but when Fido told me they were upping my fees YET AGAIN, I said “screw it” and went with Virgin. And I’m so happy I did. I save so much money every month not paying those crazy rip-off artists.
Of course, I’m not that attached to my cell phone number. My home phone number is the one that follows me around everywhere, so as long as that stays the same, anything else can float on top.
Wait a minute…they make phones without WIRES now??
778 rocks! i still have mine as i’m in the 514.
Why would you go wireless when, in a couple years you could go subspace!? But then, they probably wont be able to bring over your pseudo portable number.
Halle-freakin-lujah, it’s about time!
Hmm… so I think my Bell contract runs out in 3 years, so by then I’ll have lots of options.
I’m with BELL, but using pay as you go so I really don’t care – I can switch at any time. Amoungst my friends, they all seem to agree that Virgin is the way to go so I may be jumping ship soon.