In response to an application from Rogers Wireless, the CRTC has simplified the process for competitive phone companies, including wireless carriers, to access numbers. In doing so, a side benefit is that the North American Numbering Plan may last just a little bit longer.
In the past, each competitor had to be assigned a three digit central office code for each exchange in which it offered service. In some small communities, 3 competitors (or wireless service providers) means three times the number of numbers.
Why did the incumbents fight this proposal, despite the benefits it brings for their own wireless and CLEC operations?