subject: Wireless Number Portability Services Advantage [print this page] When mobile phones were first released, they were considered a luxury only the wealthy could afford. As technology advanced and more mobile carriers hit the scene, prices began to drop, demand continued to increase, and just about everyone today owns a mobile phone. With the introduction of smartphones that include the ability to use apps, play games, and browse the internet, mobile phones have began to replace desktop and laptop computers as well. Everyone wants the latest phone at the lowest price. Say you find something cheaper, are you going to need to change your telephone number to get an upgrade or a better deal? Your cell phone number is your identity. Have no fear visitors to this fine article site, there is an answer! Have you ever heard of wireless number portability?
What is wireless number portability?
A few years ago, if you wanted to switch to another carrier, you would need to get a new number and toss out the old one.
You had to page through your contacts, write down their telephone numbers, and call them with your new phone number. Basically a real pain. Not everyone would get the message, some people would put it on their to do list and disregard it, and others would make that "who the heck is this" face and delete the message.
With wireless number portability, you have the option to switch carriers and still retain your new number. The portability process exists but it's not as easy as calling up your carrier, giving them your old number, and having them make that your primary number. If this were the case, I could call up AT&T and tell them I want Donald Trump's telephone number.
Before you are able to switch a number from one carrier to another, you have to ask your carrier if they provide this option free-of-charge - i.e. don't switch carriers unless they assure you they will do this for you to win your business. A majority of carriers do, but there are a few that will make you pay if you want to have your number switched over. Hint: use your buying power here and negotiate have the fee waived. You are already signing a contract, the least they can do is waive the line transfer fee.
In every portability case, you will need to buy your new mobile phone before you transfer the line over. Once you have that phone in hand, you really don't even need to talk to your old carrier. Let the new cell phone company know who your old carrier is, give them your account data including your old telephone number, and fill out any paperwork they have. The paperwork will basically be a release saying that you have authorized them to take control of the telephone number. Keep in mind that some numbers can take a week or more to transfer over depending on your current carrier's regulations and procedures. Don't worry; you won't lose cell phone coverage during this time. Just keep your account active with them and start your account with your current carrier. When the number is transferred, your new phone will work (ring) and your old won't.
The number portability act really took the power away from the cell phone carriers. Sometimes the only reason people wouldn't switch was because they were so ingrained to that phone number. Poor or expensive service was tolerable compared to the headache of giving your friends & family a new phone number to reach you on. So, if you are changing carriers and want to keep your phone number, you can!
