GTA upgrades cellular system

The Guam Telephone Authority has successfully upgraded its network so that cell phone users in Guam need not change their numbers when switching from one network provider to another.

As soon as Guam’s other wireless carrier companies complete their own network upgrades, equipment installation and field tests by Feb. 15, 2006, wireless phone users on Guam will join their counterparts in major markets in the mainland U.S. in having the advantage and convenience of keeping their same cell phone number even if they switch wireless service providers.

Since November 2003, wireless carriers in the 100 largest markets in the U.S. were required by the FCC to begin porting numbers.

This will give cell phone customers greater freedom and flexibility to choose the carrier that best meets their needs without having to notify friends, family and co-workers that they have a new number. (PR)