Cell Phone Number – Take It With You

Americans can now keep their cell phone number when switching service providers. As of May 2004, local cell phone number portability went nationwide in the United States.

While customers in large markets have been able to move their cell phone numbers since November 2003, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has now made it mandatory for all wireless service providers to offer portability of cell phone numbers. However, as of May 24, 2004, some providers in rural areas are still not offering this service and one such carrier has been fined $100,000 as a result. The FCC wants to show the cell phone industry that it is serious about enforcing portability.

Consumers have been able to move phone numbers between landline phones since 1999 and now the same portability applies to cell phone numbers as well.

While it is now possible to transfer your cellular phone number to your home or vice versa, you still cannot apply both phones to the same number. Portability of your cellular number is only possible to a landline or cellular service provider that covers the same location. Remember that your cellular number includes an area code that determines your home service area. If you were able to transfer the cellular telephone number you use in New York to California, the roaming charges would be quite high.

Many customers who like their cellular number but not their cell phone service, are now causing increased competition amongst wireless providers, who now offer number portability as an incentive. If your current cellular service contract is up, it may be a good time for you to change providers.

Also see; cellular phones.

Author Notes:

Jack Adams contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.cell-phones-n-plans.com. A cellular phone industry resource that features service plan comparisons, cellular phone reviews and articles.