The local number portability administration selection process “could...

The local number portability administration selection process “could cause substantial damage to the industry and consumers,” Michigan Internet & Telecommunications Alliance Executive Director John Liskey wrote the FCC Monday (http://bit.ly/NbQdoa). Citing a recent Standish Group report, Liskey said switching number portability vendors would cost the industry between $300 million and $600 million. “The report suggests the industry will not be able to recoup the costs within the five-year contract period, and the switch will increase costs and stifle innovation,” wrote Liskey. The selection process has not adequately considered the impact switching number portability vendors would have on small- and medium-sized vendors, he wrote. He worried the portability process has been a “closed one involving only a handful of carriers.” Other CLECs have expressed concern about the process. Comptel, Cbeyond, HyperCube and TDS Metrocom forwarded a letter to the FCC (http://bit.ly/1fPTdkN) that they had sent to North American Portability Management in November (CD Feb 10 p13).