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Local number portability is now available to all of th United States.
This carries out the FCC mandated first proposed in the Telecommunications
Act of 1996. It was supposed to be implemented by June of 1999, but
wass been given 2 extensions and finally was implemented by cell phone
companies in 2004.
Local Number Portalility allows consumers to switch home number to
mobile phone and eliminate the landline.
If you do switch carriers, expect to pay a termination fee and purchase
a new phone (phones are specific to the carrier). The FCC says the
process should take about 2.5 hours. However, some carriers say it
could take 3-5 days. The carrier cannot prevent you from switching
to another carrier but you will have to pay any outstanding charges
and fees.
If you wish to switch carriers, contact the prospective carrier
who will start the process by contacting your current carrier. Have
a copy of your bill available when you contact the new carrier.
Do not cancel service from your current carrier before you select
a new carrier.
Local Number Portability will force many cell phones into retirement
as they are replaced with new phones. Instead of tossing out the
handset, donate it to a charity that assists victims of domestic
violence. Here is a website with donation information:
http://www.wirelessfoundation.org/DonateaPhone/index.cfm
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Copyright 2003, CellUpdate.com.
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