Cell Phone Number Portability Finally A Reality?

graphicartist82 writes "MSNBC is running an article about the upcoming deadline for cell phone companies to let customers keep their numbers when switching companies. FCC Chairman Michael Powell has already extended the deadline once, but plans to stay with the Nov 24th, 2003 deadline. Companies like Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile have committed to meeting the deadline. I, for one, would love this. I've had the same cell phone number for years now -- it's where everybody knows how to get a hold of me. Other companies are now offering better services in my area where they weren't before. If I can keep my number and get a better service, I'm all for it! (Even if I have to pay a fee like the article suggests)."

Comments

UIN

[canadiangoose]

Sounds like we're getting closer to a universal identity number. Kinda creepy, kinda cool.

Re:Cell phone / home phone

[Seth Finklestein]

This can be done.

When you call up Verizon (your local phone company) request form PH-650, "Instructions for Transferring a Phone Number." Under new legislation that has just been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, it is now possible to move a landline phone number to a mobile phone. Once you have reviewed PH-650, call the number listed on it (each state has its own number to call) and ask to be transferred to "phone number transfer services."

As I documented on the web recently, it is preferable to use a mobile phone instead of a landline phone for a large number of reasons. Now that I have followed the instructions on PH-650, I can use my home number on my mobile phone to call all of my many friends and acquaintances.

For more information, please send e-mail to mobilephone@sethf.com. Thanks!