WLNP Advice from SPCS

"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

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› See More: WLNP Advice from SPCS

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."

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