It’s good to hear that the U.S. Appeals Court upheld FCC rule allowing consumers to take their cell phone numbers when they switch to a different phone company. I know quite a few people who have crappy cell phone service but choose to stay with the same provider because everyone knows the number. Basically, they feel like a hostage. Starting November, they’ll be able to free themselves to get better service.

Wireless Challenge to Portability Rule Rejected
Fri June 6, 2003 10:38 AM ET
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A U.S. appeals court on Friday upheld a Federal Communications Commission rule forcing wireless telephone companies to allow consumers to defect to rival carriers without having to give up their telephone number. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia turned back arguments by Verizon Wireless and the industry’s trade group that the rule was unnecessary, arbitrary and capricious. The FCC said last year that the rule was needed because companies would not likely offer the option on their own, locking in consumers who wanted to change carriers but keep their number.
Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications VZ.N and Vodafone Group Plc VOD.L .