Dialed In: You Can Take It With You
Follow these tips to help ensure smooth sailing when you switch mobile phone services.Grace Aquino, PC World
Got a question or comment? Write to Grace Aquino.
Dropped calls. Spotty coverage. High roaming rates. All good reasons to choose a new wireless service plan.
But making the switch requires a lot of legwork. You have to weigh a dizzying number of pros and cons among many carriers. On top of that, each company has its own marketing lingo, making it difficult to compare one company's plan to another's. And since many of today's phones are capable of handling data functions (such as e-mail and downloaded games and Web content), carriers are pushing services that go beyond voice--but data plans vary too.
There's some good news: You can now transfer your current landline or wireless phone number to a new carrier. Previously, switching services meant giving up your existing number and having to give the new one to all of your friends, family members, and business contacts. This task alone is daunting enough to motivate many people to stick with services they otherwise couldn't stand.
On November 24, a U.S. Federal Communications Commission rule called Local Number Portability took effect, allowing users to keep the same mobile phone number when switching carriers. But there are some limitations. For example, you can't keep a number from one major U.S. city, say Los Angeles, if you move to another, say New York City--hence, the local in LNP.
Before you make the move to another carrier, you've got some important details to consider.
Do Your Homework
Picking a master plan: When you shop around for phones and plans, don't just consider prices. It helps to know your calling patterns. Does the new network offer coverage in areas where you travel? International travelers should choose a phone and a service that supports Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks, which let you roam in various countries. Check out "How to Buy a Wireless Phone" for more advice.
More than voice: Will you use e-mail, text messaging, or downloadable games? Carriers offer a variety of data services that let you send and receive e-mail, send photos, and download ring tones, screen savers, music, and games. Ask the wireless service provider about its voice and data plans, including rates, coverage, and connection speeds.
Will you need a new phone? Almost always. Chances are you can't take your current phone with you because of incompatible networks. For example, if you've been using Sprint (which has a Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA, network), you can't take your phone to AT&T (which has GSM and Time Division Multiple Access, or TDMA, networks). Buying a new phone is often necessary. On the bright side, it's a good excuse to upgrade an aging phone. And carriers typically offer handsome rebates on the latest models in order to lure new customers. But these can come with strings attached; see "Reconsider Rebates," below.
Still under contract? Before canceling your current wireless phone plan, make sure you're free to go. If you're still under contract and decide to cancel, you'll likely incur penalty fees. Check to see if those fees are lower than what you'd pay in monthly charges with no usage.
Get the Best Deal
Online deals: In addition to visiting a carrier's retail store, browse its site for special promotions. For example, AT&T Wireless has Internet-only offers that are less expensive than what you'd get by going into a store. You should also shop around at reseller sites like Amazon.com. Their deals on plans and handsets are sometimes better than the carrier's.
Reconsider rebates: To entice customers, wireless service providers are practically giving away their phones. You'll likely see a ton of rebate offers from the carrier, the phone manufacturer, and maybe even reseller such as Amazon.com, Best Buy, and CompUSA. Although getting some money back for the cost of the phone is tempting, there's often a catch. For example, if you want to use the phone and service for a 30-day trial period, you may not qualify for a rebate.
Combo deals: Many carriers offer discounts when you sign up for a package that, for example, combines wireless phone, local and long distance service, and high-speed Internet access. However, the types of services offered vary depending on your location. Ask the company what it sells in your area.
Trial run: Test the waters before signing a one-year (or longer-term) contract. If you plan on sending and receiving calls at your home, for example, make sure it works there. Many carriers offer a trial period of up to 30 days so you can ensure that the phone works reliably in areas that matter most to you. If it doesn't work out, you can return the phone and cancel the service. You will, however, have to pay the activation fee and any minutes you used. Another option is signing up for a prepaid plan. AT&T Wireless' GoPhone, for example, provides prepaid service and lets you switch to a regular plan whenever you want.
Know the Rules
Transfer rules: Not all numbers are transferable in all areas and by all providers. For example, wireless LNP is currently available within 100 major U.S. cities. By summer 2004, the service should be more widespread, according to nationwide carriers. Transferring your wireless number will work only if you are within the same geographic area. Check with the provider. Some companies, including Nextel, offer online tools that let you check if your number can be transferred to their service.
Transferring home numbers: You can port a landline home number to a new mobile phone. But you can't transfer a number that has been previously disconnected.
Associated costs: Starting in March, the Federal Regulatory Fee will be 5 to 45 cents for items associated with LNP and other federal mandates, according to Verizon.
Make the Switch
Stay in touch: Provide a number where you can be reached if the service provider has questions for you. Conversely, ask the company for its contact number in case you need to ask about the status of the service. When the transfer is complete, the carrier will likely send a text message to your new phone.
Transfer time: How long does it take to transfer a number? The porting process can be as short as 2 hours, or as long as 7 days--or even longer in some cases, carriers say. Don't cancel your current phone service until the transfer is complete. In many cases, service to your old phone will be automatically disconnected once the number has been transferred.
Check your documentation: As soon as you activate your new service, make sure all your personal information (name, address, phone number and so on) matches from the old to the new carrier. Otherwise, you may run into delays. If you visit the new carrier's retail store, bring a copy of your current provider's bill and your photo ID.
Porting phonebooks: Many companies offer a way to transfer your old handset's phonebook into your new one. Verizon Wireless, for example, will do this for free when you visit one of its retail stores in the western U.S. Alternatively, you can sign up for a third-party service, such as FutureDial and MightyPhone, to do the port for you for a fee. Saved voice-mail messages, however, will not transfer to your new phone.