On November 24, the FCC mandated that consumers be allowed the option to retain their phone numbers when switching service providers. Initially, this service was available only to users in the top 100 markets, but on May 24, it will be available nationwide. Unfortunately, you can't simply take your number and run. There are a lot of unanswered questions and potential pitfalls ahead. So before making the switch, arm yourself with the facts, and be wary of hidden costs. These tips will help you steer clear of any unexpected fees.
1. Number portability may still not be universally available.
Although, the FCC mandate does apply to carriers nationwide, there is still some resistance from smaller service providers in more rural markets. In a few cases, the delay for number portability may be another six months. That said, this feature will be available in most markets.
2. You probably can't use the same phone when switching carriers.
As you're probably aware, phones in the United States work on specific networks (GSM, TDMA, CDMA, and AMPS). Thus, you won't be able to use a phone that works on one network--CDMA, for example--with a phone that works on another, such as GSM. In the case where carriers use the same network technology, they tend to support only the handsets that have been fully tested on their own networks. This means that if you're trying to move from Sprint to Verizon--both of which use CDMA networks--the new network might not support your phone.
3. Contracts still exist and are expensive to break.
Changing carriers doesn't nullify an existing contract. If you want to break a contract that hasn't expired, expect to pay fees as high as $200 to get out of the deal. Also, you'll be accountable for any outstanding bills.
4. Additional fees may apply.
Even if you can get out of an existing contract or no longer have one, there may be an extra fee--which can come from either the new or old service provider--to keep your number. There's no word on how much that surcharge might be, but it can currently cost up to $35 to move an existing number over to a new phone while staying with the same carrier.
5. Pay-as-you-go numbers are not immune.
A pay-as-you-go number can be transferred to another prepay service but not to any other type of calling plan. If, for example, you have a pay-as-you-go model (such as the Audiovox CDM-8500) but want to make the transition to monthly service, you can't keep the number.
6. GSM phones have catches too.
In Europe, the greatest thing about GSM service is the ability to use just about any provider's SIM card in a single handset. This is simply not the case in the United States. When GSM carriers (Cingular, AT&T Wireless, and T-Mobile) sell a mobile, they typically lock the handset; thus, a card from another carrier can't be used for service) unless you get the unlock code from the service provider.
7. Phones sold on auction sites aren't always a great deal.
Whether you're trying to sell or buy a handset online, know the history of its previous number. If there's an outstanding balance tied to that number, the carrier will not activate the phone to work on a new account.
8. Number portability costs are already appearing on bills.
Whether you take advantage of number portability, it's probably going to cost you. Service providers have the right to recoup the expense of government mandates from customers, and many of them are already doing it. Costs that appear on monthly bills will vary by provider and will show up in the fees section.
9. New deals on service have more catches.
We'll probably begin to see more deals for phones and plans, but to make sure you're getting the right service for you, bring your bill with you to the store when you try to change your service. Now more than ever, it's imperative to read the fine print of a contract, as service providers offer the best deals for signing a two-year contract.
10. Which number will you keep?
Local-number portability will involve both mobile and landline numbers, which means you can transfer an existing landline number to a cell phone line. This does not mean, however, that both the landline and the mobile can share the same number. It's one or the other.
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