This charge appears as the “Number Portability” charge on NCT bills. It is a monthly federal charge authorized by the FCC that provides funds for significant upgrades to networks, support services and database systems that allow customers to keep their local telephone numbers when changing local service providers.
Number portability allows customers to retain their telephone numbers when switching to a competitive local provider at the same location of their residence or business. The FCC allows local telephone companies to charge a fee to offset the costs of providing this service for a period of five years. The recovery period has expired for many companies, including Qwest. However, new companies entering the local telephone market in the future may choose to assess this charge to their customers.