WLNP Advice from SPCS

http://tinyurl.com/rqwk

Just noticed this article posted today, and thought I post it in full ...It
provides some pretty good advice ...

Bob

Thinking of Switching Mobile Phone Carriers this November? Consider these
Eight Tips from the Experts at Sprint

Tuesday October 21, 8:05 AM EDT

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Oct 21, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- In just a few
weeks, a new federal rule will allow wireless customers to keep the same
mobile phone number if they switch carriers. The rule, called local number
portability (LNP), will allow consumers more flexibility in shopping for
mobile phone service.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001013/SPRINTLOGO )
Come November 24 when LNP takes effect, consumers will weigh many factors in
deciding whether or not to switch carriers. Sprint reminds consumers to
carefully review their options and to consider the following eight points:

1. Determine your obligations. Check with your current carrier on
contract termination fees and invoice balances under your current
contract. If you're making the move to another carrier, early
termination fees may apply. Check with your current carrier if you
are
uncertain when your contract ends.

2. If you do switch, remember: you'll likely need a new phone. Yes, you
can take your number with you. But in all likelihood, your old phone
won't be compatible with your new wireless provider. That's because
mobile phones from one carrier do not typically operate on
competitors' networks. On the plus side: this may be the excuse you
need to get one of those cool camera phones.

3. Get the most from your mobile phone. Consider this: what, beyond
voice service, do you plan to use? Many carriers now offer a
variety
of exciting and useful data services, such as messaging, games,
music,
special ringers and screensavers and the sending and sharing of
photos. If these services are important to you, ask in advance about
data rate plans, coverage and transmission speeds.

4. Consider the "bundled" services approach. To lower overall costs for
telecommunications, put your calling into a bundled package that
combines local phone service with long distance and wireless. For
consumers in many states, Sprint Complete Sense offers bundled
solutions with plans starting at $39.99 per month plus a discount on
monthly wireless charges.

5. Put your new phone to the test. Many carriers offer trial periods
for
new customers, giving you the chance to see how well your phone
works
-- and where. Take the phone for a "test spin" to make sure you're
satisfied that the device performs reliably for your needs in your
local coverage area and elsewhere. If you're not satisfied, you
should return your phone during the trial period and get your money
back. Note that you may still owe fees for activation and minutes
used.

6. Be prepared to experience some possible delays as you make the
switch.
LNP is an intercarrier process requiring the cooperation of your
previous service provider, and new activations involving a ported
number will take longer than traditional wireless service
activation.
If the transfer process goes smoothly you can expect to be active on
your new wireless service provider's network in just a few hours.
However, you should be prepared to experience delays as you make the
switch -- especially during the first few months of LNP. Customers
new to Sprint can stay fully informed during the transfer process
and
can check the status of their port by dialing *2 from their new
handset or by logging on to sprintpcs.com .

7. Keep in mind: not all numbers may be transferable. Not all numbers
can be transferred in all markets and by all providers. Initially,
LNP
may only be available in larger markets. Also, remember that
transferring your wireless phone number will only work if you are
within the same geographic area. In other words, you cannot
transfer
a New York number to Dallas and activate it as a local number at
this
time.

8. If you do decide to switch carriers and want to keep your number,
here
are a few additional tips to keep in mind. Continue to use your
current phone until your new phone is fully functional. Service to
your old phone will be automatically disconnected once the number
has
been transferred. It's also helpful to have a copy of a bill from
your
current service provider on hand. When processing your port request,
it's important that your new service provider correctly enter
information from your account -- like name ("Don" or "Donald"),
address, account number, and phone number. If the information
doesn't
match, the request to transfer your number may be delayed.


About Sprint
Sprint is a global integrated communications provider serving more than 26
million customers in over 100 countries. With approximately 70,000 employees
worldwide and nearly $27 billion in annual revenues, Sprint is widely
recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-of-the-art
network technologies, including the United States' first nationwide
all-digital, fiber-optic network and an award-winning Tier 1 Internet
backbone. Sprint provides local communications services in 39 states and the
District of Columbia and operates the largest 100-percent digital,
nationwide PCS wireless network in the United States. For more information,
visit www.sprint.com .
SOURCE Sprint
CONTACT: Dan Wilinsky, +1-913-794-2967, [email protected]
, or
Jennifer Walsh, +1-913-794-2950,
[email protected] , both of Sprint
/Photo: Newscom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001013/SPRINTLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840

URL: http://www.sprintpcs.com
http://www.prnewswire.com

---

› See More: WLNP Advice from SPCS

9. Remember to ask if they carry phones with useful features like
Bluetooth, and not just nifty features like color screens and 320x240
pixel kiddie cameras. Find out if they have ever dropped the ball on
releasing a phone (*cough cough* T608 *cough*). Don't forget to ask
what good high-speed internet access does you when you are forced to
use it through a slow poorly designed cell phone and through a
postage-sized screen.

10. Ask about SMS and whether the carrier supports it. Even if they do
support it find out why the heck it has take them so long to get this
feature as an indicator of responsiveness to customer needs in a
technologically evolving climate.

11. Ask not what you can do for your cellular company, but what they
can do for you.

--
Posted at SprintUsers.com - Your place for everything Sprint PCS
Free wireless access @ www.SprintUsers.com/wap

Interesting what language they use when they must try to keep their current
customers from switching, while trying to get new customers to switch.

I think this Christmas will be a very good time to shop for a wireless
phone/service.

"Bob Smith" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> http://tinyurl.com/rqwk
>
> Just noticed this article posted today, and thought I post it in full ...It
> provides some pretty good advice ...



Some good advice, with a sprinkling of self-serving drivel.



>
> Bob
>
> Thinking of Switching Mobile Phone Carriers this November? Consider these
> Eight Tips from the Experts at Sprint
>
> Tuesday October 21, 8:05 AM EDT
>
> OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Oct 21, 2003 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- In just a few
> weeks, a new federal rule will allow wireless customers to keep the same
> mobile phone number if they switch carriers. The rule, called local number
> portability (LNP), will allow consumers more flexibility in shopping for
> mobile phone service.
> (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001013/SPRINTLOGO )
> Come November 24 when LNP takes effect, consumers will weigh many factors in
> deciding whether or not to switch carriers. Sprint reminds consumers to
> carefully review their options and to consider the following eight points:
>
> 1. Determine your obligations. Check with your current carrier on
> contract termination fees and invoice balances under your current
> contract. If you're making the move to another carrier, early
> termination fees may apply. Check with your current carrier if you
> are uncertain when your contract ends.
>
> 2. If you do switch, remember: you'll likely need a new phone. Yes, you
> can take your number with you. But in all likelihood, your old phone
> won't be compatible with your new wireless provider. That's because
> mobile phones from one carrier do not typically operate on
> competitors' networks. On the plus side: this may be the excuse you
> need to get one of those cool camera phones.
>
> 3. Get the most from your mobile phone. Consider this: what, beyond
> voice service, do you plan to use? Many carriers now offer a
> variety
> of exciting and useful data services, such as messaging, games,
> music,
> special ringers and screensavers and the sending and sharing of
> photos. If these services are important to you, ask in advance about
> data rate plans, coverage and transmission speeds.
>
> 4. Consider the "bundled" services approach. To lower overall costs for
> telecommunications, put your calling into a bundled package that
> combines local phone service with long distance and wireless. For
> consumers in many states, Sprint Complete Sense offers bundled
> solutions with plans starting at $39.99 per month plus a discount on
> monthly wireless charges.
>
> 5. Put your new phone to the test. Many carriers offer trial periods
> for
> new customers, giving you the chance to see how well your phone
> works
> -- and where. Take the phone for a "test spin" to make sure you're
> satisfied that the device performs reliably for your needs in your
> local coverage area and elsewhere. If you're not satisfied, you
> should return your phone during the trial period and get your money
> back. Note that you may still owe fees for activation and minutes
> used.
>
> 6. Be prepared to experience some possible delays as you make the
> switch.
> LNP is an intercarrier process requiring the cooperation of your
> previous service provider, and new activations involving a ported
> number will take longer than traditional wireless service
> activation.
> If the transfer process goes smoothly you can expect to be active on
> your new wireless service provider's network in just a few hours.
> However, you should be prepared to experience delays as you make the
> switch -- especially during the first few months of LNP. Customers
> new to Sprint can stay fully informed during the transfer process
> and
> can check the status of their port by dialing *2 from their new
> handset or by logging on to sprintpcs.com .
>
> 7. Keep in mind: not all numbers may be transferable. Not all numbers
> can be transferred in all markets and by all providers. Initially,
> LNP
> may only be available in larger markets. Also, remember that
> transferring your wireless phone number will only work if you are
> within the same geographic area. In other words, you cannot
> transfer
> a New York number to Dallas and activate it as a local number at
> this
> time.
>
> 8. If you do decide to switch carriers and want to keep your number,
> here
> are a few additional tips to keep in mind. Continue to use your
> current phone until your new phone is fully functional. Service to
> your old phone will be automatically disconnected once the number
> has
> been transferred. It's also helpful to have a copy of a bill from
> your
> current service provider on hand. When processing your port request,
> it's important that your new service provider correctly enter
> information from your account -- like name ("Don" or "Donald"),
> address, account number, and phone number. If the information
> doesn't
> match, the request to transfer your number may be delayed.
>
>
> About Sprint
> Sprint is a global integrated communications provider serving more than 26
> million customers in over 100 countries. With approximately 70,000 employees
> worldwide and nearly $27 billion in annual revenues, Sprint is widely
> recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-of-the-art
> network technologies, including the United States' first nationwide
> all-digital, fiber-optic network and an award-winning Tier 1 Internet
> backbone. Sprint provides local communications services in 39 states and the
> District of Columbia and operates the largest 100-percent digital,
> nationwide PCS wireless network in the United States. For more information,
> visit www.sprint.com .
> SOURCE Sprint
> CONTACT: Dan Wilinsky, +1-913-794-2967, [email protected]
> , or
> Jennifer Walsh, +1-913-794-2950,
> [email protected] , both of Sprint
> /Photo: Newscom:
> http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001013/SPRINTLOGO
> AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
> PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840
>
> URL: http://www.sprintpcs.com
> http://www.prnewswire.com

"John Dierks" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Interesting what language they use when they must try to keep their
current
> customers from switching, while trying to get new customers to switch.
>
> I think this Christmas will be a very good time to shop for a wireless
> phone/service.
>
Yea, they were selling in that blurb, but they also did offer some good
advice as well.

Bob

In alt.cellular.sprintpcs Sanyo Guy <[email protected]> wrote:

> Some good advice, with a sprinkling of self-serving drivel.

Good assessment of your own posts, Phillipe. Except you typically generate
more than a "sprinkling."

--
JustThe.net Internet & Multimedia Services
22674 Motnocab Road * Apple Valley, CA 92307-1950
Steve Sobol, Proprietor
888.480.4NET (4638) * 248.724.4NET * [email protected]

On Tue, 21 Oct 2003 11:49:23 -0400, oktane
<[email protected]> wrote:

>
>9. Remember to ask if they carry phones with useful features like
>Bluetooth, and not just nifty features like color screens and 320x240
>pixel kiddie cameras. Find out if they have ever dropped the ball on
>releasing a phone (*cough cough* T608 *cough*). Don't forget to ask
>what good high-speed internet access does you when you are forced to
>use it through a slow poorly designed cell phone and through a
>postage-sized screen.
>
Oh shut the **** up about that T608 already. It will come out when it
comes out. End of story. Sprint's not obligated to carry it if they
don't, too ****in bad. There are other options out there.

Believe me, Sony Ericsson isn't a brand you want. They have been very
problematic on the GSM side and the reception is horrible. They having
numerous problems on Sprint as we speak. If that T608 comes out, it
will be miracle.

And by the way, Sanyo's coming out with 2 megapixel camera phone.

Rich P. <[email protected]> wrote:
>>9. Remember to ask if they carry phones with useful features like
>>Bluetooth, and not just nifty features like color screens and 320x240
>>pixel kiddie cameras. Find out if they have ever dropped the ball on
>>releasing a phone (*cough cough* T608 *cough*). Don't forget to ask
>>what good high-speed internet access does you when you are forced to
>>use it through a slow poorly designed cell phone and through a
>>postage-sized screen.
>>
> Oh shut the **** up about that T608 already. It will come out when it
> comes out. End of story. Sprint's not obligated to carry it if they
> don't, too ****in bad. There are other options out there.

It *WON'T* come out because SonyEricsson isn't doing CDMA anymore.

Why people are whining at Sprint about a decision that was beyond their
control, I can't figure out, but I wish they'd shut up already.

--
JustThe.net Internet & Multimedia Services
22674 Motnocab Road * Apple Valley, CA 92307-1950
Steve Sobol, Proprietor
888.480.4NET (4638) * 248.724.4NET * [email protected]