Cell Phone Portability: Transferring your cell phone number

A recent change in federal rules will allow consumers to retain their cell phone number when changing wireless service providers. The new number portability, or transfer program, will take effect November 24, 2003 for the top 100 Metropolitan areas across the United States. In Pennsylvania, that includes:

• Philadelphia
• Pittsburgh
• Allentown - Bethlehem - Easton
• Harrisburg - Lebanon - Carlisle
• Scranton - Wilkes-Barre - Hazelton

All other cities will be able to transfer cell phone numbers no later than May 24, 2004.

After the transfer program goes into effect, customers will be able to:

• transfer their cell phone numbers among other local wireless providers;
• transfer their cell phone number between local wireless and landline (home phone number) providers; and,
• transfer their landline number between local landline and wireless providers.

If you wish to transfer your cell phone or home phone number between local providers, you should contact your current phone service provider. After receiving your valid request and confirming your identification, your current phone provider must begin the transferring process. A phone service provider is not permitted to deny your valid transfer request for any reason other than lack of confirmation of your identification.

Your valid transfer request does not absolve you from any existing fees or obligations owed to your initial phone service provider. In addition, you should be aware of any contractual fees or obligations you may incur when requesting your number is transferred.

If you have any questions regarding number transfers, you can contact the Office of Attorney General at 1-800-441-2555 or visit our website at www.attorneygeneral.gov. You can also learn more about transferring your cell phone number by contacting the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-225-5322 or by visiting their website at www.fcc.gov.