Verizon Wireless Statement on Number Portability Issue

BEDMINSTER, NJ — Verizon Wireless, the nation's largest wireless service provider, made the following statement today, after the Federal Communications Commission confirmed the responsibility of wireless service providers to let customers switch wireless companies, while keeping their mobile phone numbers, without barriers. Verizon Wireless has encouraged a barrier-free porting process, asking the FCC to forbid service providers from imposing special new hurdles for wireless customers who want to switch wireless companies while keeping their numbers.

"We commend the FCC for decisively answering questions about number portability. Now our competitors know what is expected of them: allow your customers to take their numbers when they switch wireless companies. Don't slow or block them. This barrier-free process means wireless customers in the top 100 markets can fully expect to switch companies beginning Nov. 24 without the kinds of obstacles that some companies have sought to impose. The FCC also encouraged wireless service providers to complete switching within two and a half hours. Wireless customers who want to choose the nation's largest, most reliable wireless network to be their service provider should just stop into any Verizon Wireless store, call our customer service line 1-800-922-0204, or go online to www.verizonwireless.com and we'll be happy to help you make the switch."

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 34.6 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.  

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