As
of November 24th, 2003, wireless
number portability has been available in the 100
largest metropolitan areas nationwide. Simply
stated, wireless number portability is the ability
to keep your existing cell phone number and to
choose a new carrier to provide your service.
Wireless carriers have been working for months to
make wireless number portability as painless and
quick as possible for you. Part of the wireless
industry's commitment to its customers is helping
you understand and prepare for the porting process.
If you decide to move your
phone number to a new wireless carrier, you really
do need to plan ahead. Here are some basic
guidelines you should know before you go to transfer
your mobile phone number.
What You
Should Know.
All Portability is
Local. "Local" portability means that you
can only take your number to a new carrier that
serves the same location as your current carrier. In
other words, you can't port your number from one
metro area to new carrier in another city hundreds
of miles away.
Is Your Town In
the Top 100? Wireless number portability
is only available in the 100 largest US metro areas
as of November 24, 2003. Some carriers may offer
portability in smaller markets next spring. If you
live in a smaller town, you will not be able to port
your wireless number until next year.
Prevent a major
misstep. Don't start by canceling service
with your current provider - or you might lose your
number. Start with the carrier you want to switch
to. Your new carrier will then contact your current
provider to transfer your phone number.
Know Your Current
Contract. Review the terms of your
current contract. You may be subject to an early
termination fee if you cancel your existing service
before a certain amount of time.
The Details really
are important. Your new carrier will need
to know specific information about your existing
account. Bring your most recent monthly bill when
you go to transfer your phone number. If you don't
have a copy of your bill, be sure to bring the exact
details of your account, such as your name as it
appears on the bill, your billing address, account
number and current phone number. If any of that
information is misspelled or written incorrectly on
your application, your number transfer could be
delayed significantly.
Check out A New
Phone and A New Plan That Fits. You may
need a new phone when you switch carriers, even if
you are keeping your number. Wireless carriers offer
a wide variety of feature-filled devices and
numerous service plan options. Be sure to review the
various rate plans, coverage areas and special
features, so you can make the choice that's best for
you.
Plan to spend some
time. When you go to a retail store to
transfer your phone number to a new carrier,
schedule plenty of time to fill out the necessary
application forms, choose your new phone and rate
plan, and possibly wait while other consumers do the
same. More often than not, there may be long lines
at some stores and porting may take a solid hour or
more.