| Number portability pretty much has to do with | | | | you will need a new cell phone as many providers |
| using the same telephone number while switching | | | | have SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards that |
| from one cellular service provider to another. | | | | are company-specific. This will mean that you |
| Basically, the process should simply involve calling | | | | have to find out if your cell phone can still be |
| a new service provider, and they should be able | | | | used, and if it cannot, then you will need to find |
| to do everything that is necessary to transfer | | | | one that is both compatible and that will best suit |
| your cell phone number from your old company | | | | your needs. |
| to the new one. | | | | - Choose a service plan with a new cellular phone |
| However, there are things that you should | | | | service provider, specifying at the same time that |
| consider doing before you get going with the | | | | you would like to port the number that you |
| switch, because there are some issues that you | | | | already have with a different cellular provider. The |
| may face and that could make things a bit of a | | | | new company will ask you for your former |
| struggle. Make sure to try the following before | | | | account information so that they can take care |
| you make the call: | | | | of all of the details for you - so make sure that |
| - Check to see if you're eligible for number | | | | you have that information prepared when you call |
| portability. | | | | or go to the service location. |
| - Review any of the potential costs that may be | | | | - If you do go to the store or service location, be |
| involved in porting your number. Sometimes | | | | sure that you also have ID with you as well as a |
| they're quite low and at other times the cost can | | | | bill from your old cell phone company. |
| be quite prohibitive. You should find that out ahead | | | | - Once your new service plan is in place, call your |
| of time as it may be a determining factor. | | | | old cell phone company and cancel your account |
| - Find another cellular service provider that will fit | | | | with them. |
| your needs and budget. | | | | This process, in accordance with the Number |
| - Find out if you need to purchase a new handset | | | | Portability rule, should take no longer than two and |
| (mobile phone), because the majority of times, | | | | a half hours. |