### Question
How is the term number portability defined?


### Answer
The term **number portability** is defined in *47 U.S.C. § 153* as the following:

> the ability of users of telecommunications services to retain, at the same location, existing telecommunications numbers without impairment of quality, reliability, or convenience when switching from one telecommunications carrier to another

#### Citation:
  - *47 U.S.C. § 153*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 5-WIRE OR RADIO COMMUNICATION > SUBCHAPTER I-GENERAL PROVISIONS**

