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Thinking of Switching Mobile Phone Carriers this November? Consider these Eight Tips from the Experts at Sprint

Posted on: Tuesday, 21 October 2003, 06:00 CDT

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- In just a few weeks, a new federal rule will allow wireless customers to keep the same mobile phone number if they switch carriers. The rule, called local number portability (LNP), will allow consumers more flexibility in shopping for mobile phone service.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001013/SPRINTLOGO )

Come November 24 when LNP takes effect, consumers will weigh many factors in deciding whether or not to switch carriers. Sprint reminds consumers to carefully review their options and to consider the following eight points:

1. Determine your obligations. Check with your current carrier on

contract termination fees and invoice balances under your current

contract. If you're making the move to another carrier, early

termination fees may apply. Check with your current carrier if you are

uncertain when your contract ends.

2. If you do switch, remember: you'll likely need a new phone. Yes, you

can take your number with you. But in all likelihood, your old phone

won't be compatible with your new wireless provider. That's because

mobile phones from one carrier do not typically operate on

competitors' networks. On the plus side: this may be the excuse you

need to get one of those cool camera phones.

3. Get the most from your mobile phone. Consider this: what, beyond

voice service, do you plan to use? Many carriers now offer a variety

of exciting and useful data services, such as messaging, games, music,

special ringers and screensavers and the sending and sharing of

photos. If these services are important to you, ask in advance about

data rate plans, coverage and transmission speeds.

4. Consider the "bundled" services approach. To lower overall costs for

telecommunications, put your calling into a bundled package that

combines local phone service with long distance and wireless. For

consumers in many states, Sprint Complete Sense offers bundled

solutions with plans starting at $39.99 per month plus a discount on

monthly wireless charges.

5. Put your new phone to the test. Many carriers offer trial periods for

new customers, giving you the chance to see how well your phone works

-- and where. Take the phone for a "test spin" to make sure you're

satisfied that the device performs reliably for your needs in your

local coverage area and elsewhere. If you're not satisfied, you

should return your phone during the trial period and get your money

back. Note that you may still owe fees for activation and minutes

used.

6. Be prepared to experience some possible delays as you make the switch.

LNP is an intercarrier process requiring the cooperation of your

previous service provider, and new activations involving a ported

number will take longer than traditional wireless service activation.

If the transfer process goes smoothly you can expect to be active on

your new wireless service provider's network in just a few hours.

However, you should be prepared to experience delays as you make the

switch -- especially during the first few months of LNP. Customers

new to Sprint can stay fully informed during the transfer process and

can check the status of their port by dialing *2 from their new

handset or by logging on to sprintpcs.com .

7. Keep in mind: not all numbers may be transferable. Not all numbers

can be transferred in all markets and by all providers. Initially, LNP

may only be available in larger markets. Also, remember that

transferring your wireless phone number will only work if you are

within the same geographic area. In other words, you cannot transfer

a New York number to Dallas and activate it as a local number at this

time.

8. If you do decide to switch carriers and want to keep your number, here

are a few additional tips to keep in mind. Continue to use your

current phone until your new phone is fully functional. Service to

your old phone will be automatically disconnected once the number has

been transferred. It's also helpful to have a copy of a bill from your

current service provider on hand. When processing your port request,

it's important that your new service provider correctly enter

information from your account -- like name ("Don" or "Donald"),

address, account number, and phone number. If the information doesn't

match, the request to transfer your number may be delayed.

About Sprint

Sprint is a global integrated communications provider serving more than 26 million customers in over 100 countries. With approximately 70,000 employees worldwide and nearly $27 billion in annual revenues, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-of-the-art network technologies, including the United States' first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network and an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint provides local communications services in 39 states and the District of Columbia and operates the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless network in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.sprint.com/ .