In a huge decision handed down late yesterday, the FCC voted to (pdf warning) expand local number portability (LNP) rules to include VoIP services. This provides consumers the explicit right to keep the same, familiar phone number when switching to a new telephone service provider.

The FCC also clarified the regulations, stating that telephone companies may not obstruct or delay number porting by demanding excess information from the new provider. The FCC went on to specifically conclude that LNP validation for a simple number port should be based on no more than four fields:

• 10-digit telephone number
• Customer account number
• 5-digit zip code
• Account Password/Pin code, if applicable

From the FCC press release:

This action was, in part, a response to numerous complaints by consumers about their inability to port numbers to or from interconnected VoIP providers. The FCC also initiated a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on additional VoIP
numbering issues.

I am by far no lawyer, but I believe this ruling will also force VoIP providers to allow telephone numbers to be ported away from their service, if the customer wishes to change services.

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