Switching Carriers
Avoid the pain of getting new phone service.Dan Tynan
The advent of wireless number portability in 2003 made it a lot easier to switch cell phone carriers. And lord knows service levels vary from place to place, so you may find yourself wanting to switch carriers often--when you move, change jobs, or just get tired of dead spots.
But there are still some gotchas associated with changing carriers that you may not be aware of. Keep these pointers in mind when you decide to make a move.
Don't cancel--yet. Order service from your new carrier before you stop your old service. The new carrier will handle the niggling details of transferring your account information. If you cancel first, you may not be able to port your number.
Not all numbers are portable. If you're moving from, say, San Francisco to New York, you may not be able to bring your 415 number to the 212 area code. Portability is typically local, not national. Ask before you switch.
It will cost you. Unless your old wireless contract has expired, you'll likely owe your former carrier some cash. Some carriers charge a prorated fee for each month left on your agreement; others demand a one-time charge of $200 or more, even if you have only a month left. Check your contract before you make the switch.
Kiss your phone goodbye. Most cell phones are "locked," meaning they cannot accept a Subscriber Identity Module card from another carrier. Wireless companies do this to recoup the discount they give you on the phone when you sign up, and to discourage you from moving on to greener pastures. Still, it's a good idea to check with your carrier to find out if you can swap SIMs. And if not, you'll probably find a phone that's as good or better from your new provider.