As the Federal Communications Commission's wireless local number portability (WLNP) regulation goes into effect November 24 in the top 100 U.S. metropolitan markets, RadioShack Corporation is poised to provide "easy answers to customers" in its more than 7,000 convenient neighborhood stores and through a new robust online education initiative.
The new regulation will enable most wireless phone users to switch providers and take their phone number with them, something that has previously been impossible. However, the ability to switch or "port" a phone number to another wireless carrier has many people asking questions about the process, regulations and whether or not WLNP even applies to them.
"The biggest obstacle for many people wishing to change carriers is that they do not want to give up their phone number," said Arvin Goldberg, senior vice president, chief business operations officer for RadioShack. "Number portability is the solution they've been waiting for, because now they can keep their number and switch to a carrier that best matches their current wireless needs."
Goldberg said confusion in the consumer electronics marketplace is one reason why people turn to RadioShack, because the company and its knowledgeable sales associates are known for providing useful answers to customers' most commonly asked questions. As the nation's largest national retailer of wireless phone services, RadioShack and its 7,000-plus neighborhood stores are uniquely positioned to offer advice, help customers determine what, if any, effect WLNP has on them and guide them through the process. The company has even revamped its Web site to allow customers to learn more about number portability and, using a new product search function, check out the availability of handsets and accessories in the store nearest them in anticipation of making a switch.
Beginning Nov. 24, all customers who visit a RadioShack store can check to see if a wireless number is portable. Customers can also opt to provide their names and e-mail addresses so RadioShack can keep them apprised of news relating to WLNP.
Goldberg said RadioShack has also worked closely with two of the company's leading wireless providers, Verizon Wireless and Sprint PCS, to ensure all customers, regardless of their current service, have the most up-to-date information available.
"Recent surveys indicate that up to 40-million wireless customers are interested in changing carriers if they can keep their current number," Goldberg said. "They may not all switch, but if they do, it's our goal to make number portability simple, easy and, most of all, as painless as possible.
"As consumers do switch carriers, they'll want to take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade their handsets to newer technology and obtain the appropriate accessories such as power adaptors, holsters or contact management software to go along with them," he added. "As the nation's largest consumer electronics specialty retailer, we're best able to provide the products and service customers will want and need to make any switch a pleasant experience."
Consumers wishing to switch their carrier should bring a copy of their most recent wireless bill to a RadioShack store where a sales associate will verify the information and provide details on switching availability by phone or online. Customers have the option of switching carriers regardless of their current contract, but they will be responsible for paying any early termination fees and unpaid balances. In addition to the Nov. 24 launch date, WLNP is expected to go into effect in all U.S. markets by May 24, 2004.