Cellular telephones are about to become a little more mobile. With a regulatory change, wireless phone numbers will become as portable as the tiny devices that place the calls.
Wireless number portability was mandated by the previous federal Liberal government two years ago. Since then, cellular companies have been making the required technological changes and Wednesday is the deadline for their work to be done.
When Canada's mobile phone giants flip their switches, customers will be able to take their phone numbers and move to a new cellular carrier.
Observers expect number portability will spark a round of intense competition in Canada's cellular industry, which is dominated by major players Bell Canada, Rogers Wireless and Telus Mobility.
Until now, cellular phone numbers were controlled and assigned by the companies and most customers were locked into term contracts.
Wireless number portability will allow customers to shop around for a better service plan and price without having to change their phone number.