As of mid-November of 2003, wireless users can switch carriers without giving up their phone number. Wireless Number Portability has enabled millions of people to leave their current carrier and bring their phone number along to their new one. Now you can even transfer your land line number to a cell phone.

Here are 6 important tips to follow if you are thinking about switching carriers:

TIP #1
The Federal Communications Commission advises
consumers not to terminate their service before contacting the carrier to which they want to switch. Those who cancel service before making the switch will lose their phone numbers.

TIP #2
When contacting the new carrier, consumers should have their phone number, billing address, account number and latest bill. Only the person whose name is on the account can authorize the change.

TIP #3
Plan on the transfers to take about four days to transfer from a land line company. For wireless-to-wireless transfers, the FCC says the goal is to transfer a single number within 2 1/2 hours after the new carrier calls the old provider.

TIP #4
You should be aware that carriers can charge you for switching your number, though a new carrier could agree to pay the transfer fee the way long distance companies often pay the cost of changing service as a way to entice customers.

TIP #5
Always check to see if there are early termination charges for leaving your existing carrier. Customers who have contracts with their current cell providers will probably have to pay early termination fees, which can reach as high as $200, if switching before the contract expires.

TIP #6
While wireless customers can keep their numbers, they may not get to keep their phones. Most will have to buy a new cell phone when changing providers because each company uses different software and billing platforms and technology.

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