The recent Federal Budget mentioned that the government will ask the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) “to move expeditiously to implement wireless number portability”. Newly launched Virgin Mobile is also pushing for portability that will enable it to be more competitive.
The Toronto Star reports today that a new poll shows that an overwhelming majority of wireless customers would like to keep their phone numbers when switching phone companies. The service providers have been claiming that number portability will increase costs for consumers. While it warms my heart to know that phone companies care so much about our pocketbooks, the CRTC should mandate the wireless industry to implement portability, so that Canadians ultimately benefit from increased competition.