The significance is that even though you can port a number from provider 1 to provider 2 and then port it again from provider 2 to provider 3, practically the number remains at provider 1 who forwards it first to provider 2 and later to provider 3. But the number remains with provider 1 because it is part of a range serviced by that provider. That is the only ownership like claim there is.

The fact the providers provide this forwarding service doesn’t mean the costumer gets a claim to the number, which is what this article is all about. A customer angry the number was ‘taken’ from him. It was never his. The providers are required to provide the porting service but if something goes wrong and a number is somehow lost, the costumer doesn’t have a right to go and demand it back from someone. Just like when the providers renumber an area, people come and complain they have to redo their preprinted letters and the lettering on their cars. Too bad, the number is not yours.

He can go and ask to get his number back, or he can make demands and then try complaining to the FCC. But I don’t think they’ll do anything.