said by tc1uscg :

Not true, you can cancel the port request before translations gets the routing request and makes the change. Even after the 3rd party verification process has started. You can call up and cancel it. Been there.. done that.

Not say VZ can refuse to port you, but they can offer you a better deal while processing your request. If you decide to take it, it's the customer who has the power to stay or go. I had my number ported once without my permission (junkrocket). Took me over 40 days and the FCC and PUC to get it back. No one could provide me with the port request data or recording of the 3rd party verification call, so there wasn't much Comcast, Sunrocket or Level3 could do but get me back my number. But if VZ flat out holds up the port request, yes, there is a fine, however, as much as they rip off their wireless customers (fools) they have deep pockets.

From the article it sounds like the customer isn't canceling the port... Verizon is... That is not allowed.

The customer would have to call whoever they initiated the port with and cancel it that way...

said by tc1uscg :

It sound like the argument was, if Verzon tried to "talk" the customer into terminating their port, before it went the full mile, would be open for fines, which isn't true. If they cancel after the fact, or delay it past the accepted 30 days FDD (firm due date), then they can get in trouble. Other then that, they can turn the customer any direction they want, if the customer is willing.