Beginning May 24, 2004, all cell phone numbers were eligible for portability, according to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), referenced by Cell Phone Carriers (reference 2). The ability to port a cell phone number gives cellular subscribers the ability to transfer their existing cell phone numbers to a new provider. Before May 24, 2004, cell phone number portability was available only in select cities. The process involved in transferring the phone number from a Cingular (now AT&T) phone number to another carrier is simple.
Instructions
1. Determine when your contract with AT&T Wireless expires. This is important because all terms and conditions still apply with your AT&T contract. According to AT&T Wireless, early-termination fees will be accrued if you cancel your contract early, which includes porting your phone number to a new carrier before the contract has expired.
2. Take a copy of your AT&T Wireless cell phone bill to the carrier to which you are transferring your phone number. The portability of your phone number depends on the billing systems. All information must be transferred to the new cellular carrier exactly the same way it appears on your AT&T bill, according to the Cell Phone Carriers website (reference 2). For example, if the address on your AT&T bill says, "555 Holland Drive" your new bill must also say this exactly. If your address was entered as, "555 Holland Dr." this would ruin the portability of your phone number.
3. Choose a new phone with the new service provider. Your old phone will not work with your new cellular provider, despite the phone number transfer. You will also need to pick a new rate plan; your current plan with AT&T will not follow you to a new carrier.
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