Number portability pretty much has to do with using the same telephone number while switching from one cellular service provider to another. Basically, the process should simply involve calling a new service provider, and they should be able to do everything that is necessary to transfer your cell phone number from your old company to the new one.
However, there are things that you should consider doing before you get going with the switch, because there are some issues that you may face and that could make things a bit of a struggle. Make sure to try the following before you make the call:
- Check to see if you’re eligible for number portability.
- Review any of the potential costs that may be involved in porting your number. Sometimes they’re quite low and at other times the cost can be quite prohibitive. You should find that out ahead of time as it may be a determining factor.
- Find another cellular service provider that will fit your needs and budget.
- Find out if you need to purchase a new handset (mobile phone), because the majority of times, you will need a new cell phone as many providers have SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards that are company-specific. This will mean that you have to find out if your cell phone can still be used, and if it cannot, then you will need to find one that is both compatible and that will best suit your needs.
- Choose a service plan with a new cellular phone service provider, specifying at the same time that you would like to port the number that you already have with a different cellular provider. The new company will ask you for your former account information so that they can take care of all of the details for you – so make sure that you have that information prepared when you call or go to the service location.
- If you do go to the store or service location, be sure that you also have ID with you as well as a bill from your old cell phone company.
- Once your new service plan is in place, call your old cell phone company and cancel your account with them.
This process, in accordance with the Number Portability rule, should take no longer than two and a half hours.
By: Martin Verite
Posts Tagged ‘Cellular Provider’
Can You Port A Cell Phone Number Just Like A Land Line Number? April 21st, 2010
Stolen Cell Phones – What You Can Do About Them March 26th, 2010
Cell phone theft is a booming business. There are numerous reasons cell phones are popular with thieves. They are small and easy to take, they can bring in $50-$60, are easier to sell than most items, or can be used by the thief almost indefinitely. Efforts by manufacturers to make tracking stolen phones easier should have a positive effect in the future but for now consumers need to beware.
First, consumers need to know that when their phone is stolen they are generally responsible for all charges incurred prior to reporting the phone lost or stolen. Secondly, it is important to realize that unlike a credit card, most cellular contracts have no liability limitations. Simply put, this means that the individual’s responsibility is not limited. So what is a victim of cell phone theft do?
- To avoid paying for hundreds of dollars of calls they did not make, the victim needs to report their stolen phone to the police immediately. At a minimum they will need to know the name of their cellular provider, the make and model of their phone, and the Electronic Serial Number of the phone to make a complete police report.
- At that point the individual will receive a case number which they will then need to report to their cellular service provider. The cellular provider can then blacklist the phone and the individual can not be held responsible for calls made after that point. It is important that records be kept regarding names, dates/times of any communications in case there is any dispute in the future.
- It is also wise to check the cellular contract as well. The agreement often outlines exactly what steps should be taken in case of theft or loss.
- Although the consumer is responsible for all calls prior to reporting the loss, in some instances, fraudulent calls are covered by the individual’s credit card company if the phone/service was set up/paid for using their credit card. Therefore, in such instances, a call to the credit card company is recommended.
- In some instance, fraudulent accounts are created using the information obtained through the stolen cell phone. Additional assistance in dealing with fraudulent accounts can be obtained from the FCC (www.fcc.gov)
Another important thing for users to realize is that the information on the cell phone is now potentially accessible to the thief. In this great “information age”, it is easy to obtain all kinds of information on individuals based on bits of information stored in a cell phone. What precautions can cell phone users take to protect their information?
- It is best to use security features on your phone to encrypt data and to prevent others from accessing it.
- Although it is possible to overwrite them, another important step in thwarting thieves is to set up passwords to restrict access. It is particularly important to use a password to gain access/use of the keypad.
- Another, more drastic option is to avoid storing personal information on your cell phone at all. Certainly, most cell phone users prize being able to store addresses and phone numbers, but at a minimum they should carefully consider what information is most sensitive and could create the most havoc if strangers were to gain access to it, and avoid storing such information.
The bottom line is owners need to fully understand the potential damage caused by a loss. With thousands of cell phone thefts each week, owners need to protect personal information at all times and report loss immediately.
By: Christine Peppler
Picking The Best Wholesale Cellular Phone December 13th, 2009
With almost anyone to use cell phones, perhaps one of the most lucrative businesses you can go to is the sale of these phones. However, if you want to go into this kind of business, then the first thing you should look for wholesale distributor of cellular phones, which will give you the best deals. Now, there are many things to consider when it comes to getting the most reliable wholesale for your cell phone offers. To succeed in your business, you must make sure to look closely into these considerations first.
Considerations in Getting the Best Cell Phone Supplier
The main thing you should look for when it comes to finding a provider of your cell phone stocks is the price they offer. It is even better if you can find one that will give you the highest discounts for bulk orders. With this consideration, then you must be on the lookout for wholesalers offering the lowest prices for cell phones.
For a dealer to buy from a wholesaler would be the ideal option to enable it to conduct its daily activities. Due to increased competition between the competitors and the credit crisis on our doorstep, a dealer needs to use his techniques for buying and selling.
The acquisition of products, a low cost provider for distributors is the way forward. They would be able to offer large quantities of phones to the quantity discount. This would result in return to be profitable for the concessionaire. Creating a good relationship with your suppliers is an important aspect of the business.
The benefits of maintaining a good relationship with their cellular provider wholesale usually generates a margin for negotiation. This objective can be met by payments by or before the due date and order stock regularly. With this advantage the dealer has the opportunity to negotiate in an attempt to reduce the cost of bulk purchase of all possible ways.
Of course, the price is not the only thing you must make sure to get a cell phone distributor. You must also be aware of the quality of their products. You will always be a very bad investment if you bought cheap mobile phones that do not have the durability and longevity necessary for persons in the units they buy. Remember that the quality of mobile phones is what will make your customers return to buy another or to make your store relate to others.
Another important consideration that you should consider when choosing among all the wholesalers of cell phone is now available, where they get their units. It is very important because cell phones are easily smuggled into the country and you may need to obtain and sell the contraband. Keep in mind that cell phone providers cannot give you clear answers regarding the source of their products may not be legitimate; it must stay away from them.
Getting Your Cell Phone Supply Drop ship wholesalers
You can also get your cell phone from drop ship supply wholesalers. There are now many such dealers available on the Internet, and they usually offer smooth negotiations when it comes to providing quality mobile units. Because the reputation of these dropship wholesalers depends on the quality of units they sell, then you can be assured that cell phones they sell are not only better prices than usual, but a quality bring in more customers for your business.
By: watson
