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Last Words
Congress’s Own Survey Says Wireless Number Portability Not A Primary Consumer Concern
Press release by CTIA, now removed from their web site.
original link: http://www.wow-com.com/news/press/body.cfm?record_id=1278
18/06/2003
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to Senator Schumer’s (D-NY) press conference on wireless number portability today, the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA) highlighted the facts, not the fluff – including the results of the General Accounting Office’s April 2003 report in which only 11% of respondents cited having to change their wireless phone numbers as a “very important” or “somewhat important” barrier to switching wireless carriers.
In addition, a 2002 Yankee Group Survey found that consumers are most interested in lower prices and improved coverage. Yet, the expensive number portability mandate could actually force prices higher and reduce investment in network improvements.
“This GAO survey, requested by Congress, shows that number portability has not been a barrier to consumer choice,” said Tom Wheeler, President and CEO of CTIA. “Time and again, consumers tell us their first priorities are lower prices and better service. Number portability threatens both.”
The Facts – Not the Fluff:
· The General Accounting Office report shows that that 83% of wireless consumers were satisfied with their service.
· There is plenty of competition in the wireless market – and consumers are taking advantage of it. About 33%, or more than 41 million, wireless consumers already change their wireless service provider every year.
· It has been estimated that implementing number portability will cost more than $1 billion and maintaining it will cost over $500 million per year. That is money directly taken away from improving service quality and coverage.
· Given current FCC rules, only 1 out of 8 wireline numbers could be ported to a wireless phone.
· The wireless complaint rate is half that of wireline.
· Wireless is the shining light of competition in telecommunications:
o Wireless prices have fallen more than 32 % over the past 5 years, while local phone prices have increased 22%.
o 98% of Americans can choose among 3 or more wireless carriers, while consumer choice is still very limited for local wireline services.
# # # CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications industry, representing carriers, manufacturers and wireless Internet providers. http://www.wow-com.com
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