You Are Free

If you happen to live in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec – starting March 14, 2007 you are allowed to change your wireless carriers without changing your phone number. The rest of the provinces will be able to do the same by September 12. 2007. Previously you were not able to take your cell phone number with you, if you decided to leave your carrier. CRTC(Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) lifted restriction to attract fierce competition and thus benefiting subscribers with more selection and lower pricing.

It did not take long for new player to enter Canadian market since the launch of MNP(Mobile Number Portability). On the same day, Amp’d Mobile – a U.S. based carrier started their operations in Canada and Amp’d is the first foreign carrier to enter Canada. I am sure there will be a lot more in the upcoming years. I hope all these translate into something very simple for Canadians. Lower phone bill and better customer service. Canadian cell phone rates are one of the highest among all industrialized nations and it should end soon. Check Amp’s Mobile website at www.ampd.ca. Cheers.