How to switch wireless carriers with minimal hassle
Thanks to a new rule that went into effect in November, you can keep your phone number when you change wireless service carriers within the same geographic area. You also can keep the same number if you switch your home telephone service to your wireless carrier. The following tips from the Federal Communications Commission will help you avoid potential snags as you make the move to a new service provider.
By LAURA T. COFFEY
Published January 4, 2004
1. Hold your horses. Don't cancel your existing service until you're sure your new wireless carrier has handled the details of the transfer and started your new service. Your phone number must be active when you make the switch.
2. Consult a recent phone bill. When you contact your new carrier about activating service, be sure to have a recent phone bill in hand. The bill will contain all the up-to-date account information you'll need to make the transfer.
3. Read the fine print. Go over your existing contract carefully to find out about any early termination fees and outstanding balances you'll have to pay. Note, though, that your old carrier cannot refuse to transfer your number because you owe money for an outstanding balance or fee.
4. Ask about the "porting" fee. Carriers can charge a fee to cover the costs of "porting," or moving, your number. Ask your new carrier whether it will pay that fee for you or reimburse you for paying it.
5. Have the right person make the switch. Only the authorized account holder can move a number. The transfer can be requested in a retail store or over the phone.
6. Location, location, location. Consumers who live in the 100 biggest metropolitan areas - one of which is the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area - can make the switch right now and keep their existing phone numbers. If you live outside those areas, carriers have until May 24, 2004, to move your number.
7. How long will the porting process take? For a wireless-to-wireless transfer, your phone number should work within a few hours of your request. A landline-to-wireless transfer may take several business days.
8. Will you need a new phone? Your old cell phone may not be compatible with your new carrier's telecommunications network. So even though you'll be able to keep your number, you may still need a new phone.
9. Certain phone features may not work. The transfer process may affect your ability to call 911, use your caller ID function or send and receive calls while you roam. If you need to call 911 during this period, give the public safety agency your location and phone number immediately. Otherwise, they may not be able to locate you.
10. To learn more about phone number portability, visit the FCC's Web site at www.fcc.gov/cgb/NumberPortability or call the FCC's Consumer Center toll-free at 888 225-5322. - Sources: Federal Communications Commission (www.fcc.gov) Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
