October 28, 2005, Newsletter Issue #19: Cellphone.Lifetips.com Brings Your Tip of the Week!

Tip of the Week

If the user lives in the United States, it is possible for them to switch carriers without getting a new phone number. This will save time and trouble for the user and allow them the convenience of a new carrier without the inconvenience a new phone number brings. In the past, it was troublesome for a consumer to switch carriers because they were faced with obtaining a new phone number (this would tend to lock consumers into the use of only one carrier for extended periods of time until they were willing to give up their old number).

Times have changed, however, and new technology made keeping existing numbers when switching carriers possible.

The new technology that allows phone numbers to be transferred is called Wireless Number Portability. All the user needs to do is let their new carrier, or the cell phone dealer they are going through (such as Wirefly.com) know that they want to keep their old cell phone number and the phone number will be ported to the new phone ordered. Some carriers will even get the new cell phones to the user prior to the switch being complete to make sure the customer does not encounter a lapse in service. Once the cell phone is received the switch will usually be complete within 24 hours. Then, the user can begin to use their new cell phone with the same phone number.

Consumers be warned that it is vital that the old carrier service not be cancelled until the phone number switch has been completely finished or else there is a chance the phone number will be lost. Therefore, do not cancel the old service until the new service is in action to prevent any future headache.

There is a bit of behind the scenes action that must take place such as the current carrier must be contacted and permission received to switch the phone number to the new carrier`s service. If for some reason the switch cannot take place, the retailer will notify the consumer and make them aware of other options available to them at that time.

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