Cingular is being pro-active in putting out a check list. Here is a
press release I just got from them.

CINGULAR OFFERS CONSUMER “CHECKLIST” FOR WIRELESS LOCAL
NUMBER PORTABILITY
(WLNP)

Saying Consumer Confusion is Likely, Cingular Stresses “The A to
Z of
WLNP”

Atlanta, September 23, 2003 – Consumers in the top 100 metro
areas will be
able to change wireless carriers and take their numbers with them
beginning November 24th when wireless local number portability (WLNP)
rules come into effect. In an effort to make sure customers can
maneuver
through any unexpected pitfalls in the process, Cingular Wireless has
created a checklist called “The A to Z of WLNP.”

“Many people may welcome the freedom to change carriers and keep
their
wireless phone numbers, but most are not aware that it can be much
more
complicated than it sounds,” said Adam Vital, Vice President of
Wireless
Operations and Support at Cingular Wireless.

The FCC has mandated WLNP but has not adopted standardized procedures
for
all carriers to follow. Cingular’s checklist gives wireless
customers a
simple guide for making sure they understand the process and can
protect
both their number and their pocketbooks.

“Simple things like knowing whether or not you’re still
under contract is
important to customers.” added Vital. Switching carriers and
transferring your number does not relieve you of your contract
obligations
with the existing provider, including early termination fees.
“The
intention of our checklist is to help people avoid surprises.”

Following are the “tips” included on the checklist:

 Know the details. Your new carrier will need to know
information
about your existing account. So for convenience, bring a bill from
your
existing carrier to your new one. If you don't have a copy of your
bill,
know the exact details of your account, including name (for example,
is it
billed to “Bill” or “William” Smith), address,
account number and phone
number.

 Leave some time. The process can take a few minutes or a few
hours. It could take even longer for your phone to be fully functional
(such as being able to receive incoming calls).

 Timing Counts. Start the process with your new carrier. If
you
cancel your current service with your existing carrier, you may end up
losing your number.

 Are you a free agent? You may be under contract with your
existing carrier, who may charge you an early termination fee if you
cancel your existing service while still under contract.

 Start from scratch. You may need a new phone when you switch
carriers, even if you are keeping your number. Familiarize yourself
with
your new carrier‘s rate plans, coverage area and features, too,
because
you’ll need to choose a new plan.

 Larger cities first. WLNP is required to be available in the
100
largest metro areas on November 24th of this year. Some carriers may
offer it in smaller markets before late May 2004.

 The “L” in WLNP. “Local” means when
switching carriers you will
be able to take your number within the same metro area but you may not
be
able to take it from one metro area to another.

 Need your consent. Your new wireless carrier will need your
authorization to move your wireless number from your existing carrier.
This protects you from carriers switching your number without your
permission.

The “A-Z of WLNP” checklist will be made available on
www.cingular.com and
at Cingular Wireless retail locations.


› See More: WLNP Check list