Wireless Local Number Portability (WLNP)
1. DO NOT CANCEL SERVICE WITH YOUR CURRENT SERVICE PROVIDER UNTIL AFTER YOUR PHONE NUMBER(S) HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY PORTED TO YOUR NEW WIRELESS SERVICE AND YOU RECEIVED THE NEW PHONE.
If you Cancel Service with your Current Service Provider prior to successfully Porting your Phone Number(s) to your New Wireless Service Provider, you risk losing your Phone Number(s). After the Port is successful, you will no longer be able to use your Ported Phone Number(s) with your Old Service Provider, you will be required to call contact your Old Service Provider to cancel service or acquire new phone numbers, and you will be responsible for payment of all outstanding charges including any fees that may be assessed by your Old Service Provider for canceling service. Once you receive your phone, your Phone Number(s) should be Ported within 24 hours. We will contact you in the event that your number cannot be Ported, will offer you alternative options for activating service. 1800Mobiles.com, the provider provisioning service for your order through this Site, will not be liable for any issues or charges associated with Porting your number(s) as described above.
2. IN ORDER FOR NUMBERS TO BE PORTED CUSTOMERS MUST PROVIDE THE BILLING ADDRESS WHERE THEY RECEIVE THE CURRENT CELL PHONE BILL
Due to the carriers' overwhelming demand for number portability you may experience delays in receiving your new cell phone.
TOP 5 QUESTIONS ABOUT WLNP:
1. What is local number portability (WLNP)?
The ability to transfer your wireless phone number from one carrier to another is called wireless local number portability, or WLNP. It means that you no longer have to get a NEW number when you change carriers if you stay within the same geographic area. You get to keep the same number.
2. When does wireless local number portability begin?
Most consumers will be able to port numbers between wireless carriers starting November 24, 2003.
3. Is wireless porting available everywhere in the United States?
WLNP is now available nationwide.
4. Can I make emergency calls on my wireless phone during the porting process?
Yes, but here is some important information to keep in mind.
Porting your number involves multiple systems that must be updated. When porting your number from or to any carrier, you need to plan for emergencies.
What this means is that if you call 9-1-1 from your NEW phone after you request number portability, but before the port is complete, a 9-1-1 call center will not be able to call you back. It is vitally important that you remain on the line after calling 9-1-1 until advised 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 9-1-1 again and say that you were disconnected.
If you call 9-1-1 from your OLD phone after you requested number portability and after the port is complete, a 9-1-1 call center will not be able to call you back. It is vitally important that you remain on the line after calling 9-1-1 until advised 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 9-1-1 again and say that you were disconnected.
5. Could I port my landline number to my wireless phone?
Once WLNP goes into effect, you should also be entitled to port landline phone numbers to wireless carriers. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to provide further guidance on landline-to-wireless WLNP soon.
FIVE STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE DURING THE PROCESS:
While switching wireless carriers and keeping your existing phone number sounds simple enough, it's actually a fairly involved process. To help you manage safely through the complexities of portability in the weeks and months ahead, here are five tips you may want to consider:
1. Do your homework
If you decide to change carriers, be sure to choose a company that meets all of your wireless needs. Look for one that offers quality service, and a wide range of devices and plans. You may want to evaluate data options, such as email, games, and picture and text messaging. If you make frequent international calls or travel abroad, be sure the company you are considering offers competitive international calling plans and phones that you can use overseas. And look for a plan that best fits your calling needs.
2. Go with a company you trust
Whether you have one line or one hundred, your wireless phone serves as a critical connection to family, friends, and business associates. That's why you should deal with a leader whose name and reputation you recognize and trust. And look for a wireless carrier that offers you the best value, a combination of both price and features, along with a stellar reputation.
3. Call your current carrier
If you're considering switching wireless carriers, it's a good idea to speak with your present carrier to check the terms of your contract. They can give you the information you need to make an educated decision. If your contact requirement is over you are free to purchase a NEW phone with NEW service activation.
4. Phone shop
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 to be used on only one carrier's network. Look for a carrier that offers a wide selection of wireless devices you find appealing.
5. Finally, let the dust settle
Moving your wireless phone number from one company to another involves multiple systems, companies, and individuals working together to ensure a successful transfer. Transferring numbers will become easier with time, so you may want to wait for the dust to settle before you consider making a move.
MYTHS ABOUT WLNP:
Myth 1. There is no cost in switching service.
Reality: Customers still in an existing 1 or 2 year agreement with their current carrier and /or authorized dealers may be responsible for paying an early termination fee to get out of their existing contract. This charge may appear on the customer's final bill or credit card.
Myth 2. It will only take 2.5 hours for the customer to switch carriers and keep their number.
Reality: Wireless carriers are aiming for a 2.5-hour porting period. However, during the early stages this may take longer.
Myth 3. Consumers can switch carriers and keep their current phone.
Reality: Wireless phones do not generally work on competing networks. So, consumers will most likely need to get a new phone when they switch carriers.
Myth 4. Any phone number can be switched to another wireless carrier's service.
Reality: Only phone numbers in the largest 100 metropolitan areas will initially be portable. To find out if a mobile number is portable to a particular carrier, check with the new carrier. Remember, wireline (or landline) phone numbers cannot yet be ported to a wireless service.
Myth 5. Consumers need to switch wireless carriers to upgrade to a new phone.
Reality: Consumers can upgrade to the latest phone AND keep their phone number by staying on the same wireless service.
1800MOBILES IS A NATIONWIDE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR THE FOLLOWING CARRIERS: AT&T Wireless, T-Mobile, Sprint PCS, Nextel and Liberty Wireless.
|
