BEDMINSTER, NJ — Next week, all wireless customers across the country no matter where they live will be able to switch their wireless service provider and still keep their phone number. Since November 2003, when local number portability (LNP) went into effect in the top 100 areas across the country, many wireless customers have made the switch to Verizon Wireless. Beginning May 24, everyone nationwide will have the choice to switch.
Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation's most reliable wireless network, is committed to ensuring quick and easy number porting for wireless customers, and offers the following tips for customers to help ensure a seamless, hassle-free switch:
- Don't cancel your current wireless service before switching. Your phone number must be active to switch.
- Do check that your number is portable. Numbers can only be transferred within specific local geographical boundaries and not all carriers have completed the required work to enable their numbers to port successfully.
- Do write down all phone numbers and contact information stored in your phone before beginning the porting process...just in case the data is not transferred.
- Do have your existing wireless contract/billing information on hand. When beginning the transition process, whether in a retail store, over the phone or on the Internet, have a copy of your current contract and your most recent bill to ensure important information is readily available.
- Do review your current wireless contract beforehand to learn about any applicable early termination fees and other contractual requirements.
- Do prepare for the unexpected...just in case. While virtually the entire wireless industry is prepared for number porting, establish an alternate contact number at home, work or with a friend or family member as a way to be contacted or to contact others in case the port takes longer than anticipated.
- Don't ask someone else, a friend or family member, to switch your account for you. Only the authorized account holder can switch a number.
Consumers can learn more about local number portability and products and services from Verizon Wireless online at www.verizonwireless.com, by calling a Verizon Wireless Customer Representative at 1-800-2 JOIN IN, or by visiting a Verizon Wireless Communications Store.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 39 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless operations, log onto www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless.
EDITORS NOTE:
A Verizon Wireless video news release, broadcast-quality B-Roll and still images about local number portability are available online. Log on to www.thenewsmarket.com/verizonwireless to preview and request video segments, which can be received in newsrooms digitally, by tape or via satellite. The footage features customers porting their numbers, the porting process in Verizon Wireless stores, industry analyst comments, and special tips for consumers on how to port their numbers.
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