Local number portability and local loop competition: Critical issues

摘要

Local telephone number portability (LNP), the ability of a telephone sub- scriber to change local exchange carri- ers, location or type of service without changing telephone numbers, is an es- sential feature of a competitive local loop market. This article describes these three types of portability and then examines the implications for local loop competition of specific LNP issues: implementation techniques; E-911 emergency services delivery; Neutrality of subscribe database and Number administration; infrastructure Cost allocation and cost recovery. Evo- Lution of number portability policy in The US, including jurisdictional compli- Cations, is reviewed.