Wireless Industry Prepared For Monday Rule Change

Customers Urged To Be Patient

WASHINGTON -- The wireless industry says it's ready for Monday -- when mobile phone numbers become more "portable."

PORTABLE NUMBERS Want to switch wireless providers and keep your number? Remember: Service must be on to switch -- don't cancel old service and then call new company. Your service agreement still applies; early-termination fees may apply Your phone may not work with a new carrier More tips Plan To Switch? New Cell Phone Rules In Effect

A new federal rule takes effect that will let you switch cell phone carriers but keep the same number.

Industry spokesman Travis Larson says companies have been preparing for months and are hoping for a smooth transition.

However, customers are being cautioned that they'll need to be patient, at least in the beginning. Larson says the communication between the old and new carriers and the actual transferring of the number can require more than 100 technical steps.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell says there might be some "hiccups" for the first consumers who try to take their cell phone numbers elsewhere.

But he adds that any glitches should be modest, minor and temporary.

Fred Picot said that he won't be one of the people to change cell phone companies Nov. 24, even though he could keep his phone number. But he says he's glad to have the option.

"I have a greater choice of carriers to go to now, and [I don't] feel intimidated by feeling obliged to stay with one particular one," Picot told television station WYFF.

Experts said millions of people will take advantage of the Cell Number Portability Act. Verizon Wireless managers said they anticipate being very busy Monday.

"We expect to be very, very busy. Consumers have been stating for a long time that number portability is the most important aspect to them," Verizon manager Steffans Hardin told the station.

Hardin warned that consumers will need to honor their current wireless contract, and breaking long-term agreements could be expensive.

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