What You Need to Know About New Cell Phone Legislation

Beginning November 24, 2003, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has required wireless carriers to provide local number portability. LNP provides you with the ability to keep your phone number when switching from one carrier to another. Initially it applies to carriers and their customers in the top 100 markets.

In the competitive wireless industry, more than one third of all wireless customers already change carriers annually. The difference is that now with LNP, consumers can take their numbers with them from one wireless company to another. For anyone considering switching, this is an opportunity to go with a reputable, national carrier who offers quality service, while keeping their phone number.

Here’s some advice for those considering moving their phone number:

Let the Dust Settle: Taking your wireless phone number with you from one wireless company to another sounds simple and straightforward. But, in fact, industry experts agree, it is going to be a complex and challenging process. It involves multiple systems, companies and individuals working closely together to ensure a successful transfer. This is especially true in the beginning weeks and months of LNP. Over time, transferring wireless phone numbers in and out will get easier, but in the beginning, you may want to wait it out and let the dust settle so you can see for yourself what the process is like and if you really want to switch. This also gives you time to evaluate all of your options and find the carrier that best meets all of your wireless needs.

Call Your Existing Carrier: If you’re considering switching your wireless carrier, it’s a good idea to contact your existing carrier to identify the length and terms of your contractual relationship. Most wireless contracts carry an early termination fee – another reason to let the dust settle in the early days of number portability.

Do Your Homework: If keeping your phone number but making a change in carrier is important to you, carefully chose a company that best meets all of your wireless needs. Look for a carrier who offers quality service, a wide range of devices and plans, and quality customer care. Carriers offer a lot more than voice service these days, so you may also want to evaluate the data options, such as email, picture and text messaging and games a carrier provides. If you make international calls, make sure they offer competitive domestic and international calling plans.

Go With A Company You Trust: With wireless service, the old saying “you get what you pay for” is absolutely the case. The cheapest deal isn’t always the best deal! Don’t make decisions exclusively on price. Look for a wireless carrier that offers you the most value and who you can trust to meet all of your wireless needs.

Don’t Trust Something as Critical as Your Wireless Connection to Just Anyone:
Whether you have one line or one hundred, your wireless connection can be your critical connection to family, business associates and friends. Don’t trust your wireless connection to just anybody. And don’t let just anyone take your phone number and change your carrier. Work with a reputable leader with a name you recognize and trust.

Taking Your Phone Number Doesn’t Mean You Can Take Your Phone: Chances are if you switch carriers, you’ll probably need to switch phones. That’s because wireless carriers use different technologies, and wireless devices are typically designed for use on a particular carrier’s network. Look for a carrier that offers wireless devices you find appealing. But remember, you’ll need to purchase a new phone and – most likely – reprogram all of your settings, phone numbers in your wireless address book, etc. (FYI: AWE is in the process of shipping out machines to our stores that will let customers transfer their address books on their Nokia phones from their old phone to their new one. We will let you know when this option is available.)

Plan for Emergencies: During the porting process, you will be able to call 911 from your new and old phones but you will not be able to receive a call back. In both cases, it is vitally important that you remain on the line after calling 911, until you’re told that it is all right to hang up. If the call is disconnected before you provide your location and other details to the 911 operator, call 911 again, provide your location and say that you were disconnected.

When you’re ready to move your number:

Call or Visit The Carrier You Want to Switch To: Once you’re ready to make the switch, check with the carrier you’re interested in to see if you are eligible to move your number since LNP is only initially available to customers in the top 100 markets. If you are eligible, they should be able to start the process of moving your number for you.

For more information on LNP visit http://wireless.fcc.gov/wlnp