Starting Nov. 24, 2003, cell
phone customers can take their phone numbers with them when switching
companies. Here's how:
1) Do your research and select a new cell phone provider.
2)
Contact the prospective new carrier and tell company reps that you'd
like to start service with their company and take your current number
with you. That company will start the process.
3)
Your old carrier cannot refuse to "port" your number, even if you owe
money on a bill or are in a dispute with the company. But you must pay
any early termination fees or outstanding balances to the old company
for the process to be completed succesfully.
4)
Do not cancel service with your old carrier until the process is
complete or you could lose your number. And you will probably need to
buy a new phone, especially if you are switching companies.
5)
The process should take no more than two and a half hours from the time
the porting request is made of the old carrier.
Good luck!
