The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today announced the successful completion of the transition to a new local number portability administrator (LNPA), Telcordia Technologies, doing business as iconectiv.
The LNPA operates the system that allows consumers to keep their telephone numbers when they switch communications service providers, thereby promoting consumer choice and competition among those companies. It also provides critical services to our nation’s law enforcement and public safety communities.
“I’m pleased that, after years of hard work and extensive preparation, we have successfully transitioned to a new and less expensive LNPA,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “This change should reduce costs for consumers. I applaud the work of all involved in this complex endeavor, especially the dedicated staff in the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, and Office of General Counsel. I thank them for working tirelessly to ensure a seamless and on-time transition for the communications industry, the law enforcement and public safety communities, and most importantly, the American public.”
The FCC plays an important oversight role in administering telephone numbers, including overseeing the LNPA. For nearly a decade, the FCC has worked closely with representatives of the North American Numbering Council (NANC) and the North American Portability Management LLC (NAPM) to rebid the LNPA contract and ensure a smooth transition to the new vendor that was selected.
Wireline Competition Bureau Chief Kris Monteith added, “Putting a new LNPA in place was truly a team effort on the part of FCC staff from all over the agency, as well as members of the NANC and the NAPM. This was a lengthy and challenging, but ultimately very successful, process.”
