Wireless Number Portability - Things to Note

[hugh]

The following are some things you’ll need to know if you are considering transferring your phone number to a new wireless phone provider.

• Number Portability only works within the same general metropolitan area or local calling area that you are currently in. Your prospective new service provider will be able to tell you if they can provide service for your current phone number.

• Do NOT cancel your current service if you want to port your number. Only active telephone numbers are eligible to be transferred therefore contact your new service provider first. The new service provider will contact your old service provider to transfer your phone number. Individual service providers will determine what fees may be applicable for WNP service.

• Unfortunately it’s unlikely the transfer will be seamless. The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association says that if you are transferring your phone number from one wireless service provider to another wireless service provider, you may be without a phone for several hours. If you are transferring a wireline number to a wireless service provider, or vice versa, the service you may be without a phone for several days.

• Review your existing contract or service agreement to find out what fees or charges may apply if you cancel your service before your contract is complete.

• There are several pieces of information your new wireless service provider will need in order to transfer your wireless phone number including your telephone number and one of the following: your account number; your password /PIN; or your phone’s ESN/MEID numbers which are located on the back of your phone under the battery. Your new service provider can assist you to identify your ESN (Electronic Serial Number) or MEID (Mobile Equipment Identifier).

• If you are switching from a wireline number to a wireless number you will need to know the telephone number, the account holder’s name and the service address. The easiest thing would be to have a copy of your most recent phone bill handy.

• When you change providers, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to take your phone with you so you will have to choose a new phone, a new service plan and new calling features from your new service provider.

[Paolo]

the minimum port delay from wireless carriers should be 2.5 hours.. for landline transfers, should be about 2 days.. You also do NOT have to wait untill march 14 to switch carriers, you can switch carriers right now and forward your "OLD" number to your temporary number on your new carrier untill march 14 kicks in! then you can toss your old CDMA junk out the window.

[gv308]

Paolo, don't hold back :-) But at least recycle the junk, it is useful for many people who would otherwise not have a phone, e.g. women's shelters.

Just drop off your old HW at the telco store you bought it from. I know Mobi does this, not sure of the others.

G

[drewber23]

Rogers is now sending out bags to recycle your old cells in with every new cell order. Another great thing from the countries best telco.

[mustardman]

Originally Posted by drewber23

Rogers is now sending out bags to recycle your old cells in with every new cell order. Another great thing from the countries best telco.

You obviously don't live in the interior of BC where Rogers coverage is only maybe half as good as Telus/Bell. This is in the most densely populated area after Vancouver/Victoria. No Rogers signal is a common complaint around here!

[Paolo]

I need some of those phone recycling bags for all my CDMAss phones collecting dust.