Ottawa Business Journal

Canadian cellphone users can now change their wireless services without losing their existing phone numbers, as wireless number portability comes into effect in metropolitan areas across the country.

The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association announced the introduction of the wireless number portability (WNP) program after an 18-month implementation process.

The service allows Canadian customers to change wireless service providers within the same local calling area and keep their existing phone number. Customers can also transfer a phone number for a wireline phone to a wireless phone and vice versa.

"Although the 18-month implementation of WNP has been one of unparalleled complexity and co-operation within the Canadian telecommunications sector, the industry's significant investment and commitment to deliver this service to Canadians has resulted in the fastest deployment of its kind in the world," said the association's chief executive Peter Barnes. "The introduction of WNP brings yet another layer of competition to the industry that will only further drive the delivery of world-class wireless products and services that Canadians expect and deserve."

Until today, wireless phone numbers were controlled and assigned by individual wireless companies, with most customers having to be locked into contracts in order to keep their number.

However, today's move will allow customers to shop around for better and cheaper plans without having to deal with the added hassle of changing their phone numbers.

Customers are reminded that portability exists only in areas with more than one provider, only active phone numbers can be ported, and that companies may charge a fee to accept an existing phone number. Furthermore, only the phone number – and not services such as voicemail – can be transferred to the new service.