Switching Wireless Carriers?

Changing Wireless Carriers? You Can Now Keep the Same Number is a Better Business Bureau article providing information about retention of a wireless phone number when the wireless service carrier is changed. A Federal Communications Commission rule makes this possible and is known by the phrase "local number portability." The carrier switch must occur within the same geographical area. Keep these things in mind when switching carriers and retaining numbers:

* Since the numbers must still be active for a switch keep the existing service while switching.

* The new carrier initiates the "porting process" by contacting the existing one.

* Have a wireless bill at hand when giving information so that the porting process goes smoothly. It is that information which will also be in the database of the existing carrier.

* There may be a fee charged to cover porting costs.

* Only the authorized account holder has legal standing to make the switch and that person must take the needed step on the phone or in person.

* Ask how long the porting process takes and whether a phone switch is needed.