Okay, guys. You've given me a lot of assistance with computer issues, so I'll try and offer a bit of advice for anyone who has a cell phone, since that is what I do for a living. These are just basic pointers to help out in the process of buying one or changing from one company to another. More detailed questions I'll have to address later on. If it is something I am not sure of, I'll get back with you on an answer.
1. NEVER buy your phone over the 'net. Always go to a company owned cell store. The reason is, if you have trouble with a phone, you want to be able to take it directly to someone to get it looked at/replaced. If you order one over the 'net, guess what? You are out your phone while you ship it back to be fixed, unless you have a 'spare' handy.
If you order your phone over the phone or on the 'net, and get one that doesn't work due to whatever reason, then you will have to wait until it gets shipped back to you, after they receive the bad one back, before you can use it. At a store, you walk out the door and know it will work.
Thus, since communication is such a big part of things today, keep in mind that you want to be able to get it fixed quickly. You'll pay a little more at a store, but it is normally worth it, as the store will do all they can to fix your issues as soon as you come in, sometimes even giving you a 'loaner' until your phone comes in.
2. If you are changing to another cell phone company, be aware that it is a minimum of three hours from what is called confirmation. The FCC rules requires that. If it is a landline number, that is 3 days to 10 days on average. Don't expect it to be any faster regardless of what you are told. It isn't happening.
Just because you have a number on your cell phone doesn't mean it will be done in three hours, either. 95% of the time, it will, but other times, you will have what is called a type 1 number. This is a landline number that is rented, and actually owned by a landline company, thus, it will fall under the 3 day+ rule.
3. When you decide to change companies, be sure your contract is up, or is going to be that day. If your phone is disconnected at the old service provider prior to the end of contract, most charge some hefty early termination fees, and that can hurt. They also will make a point of charging a reconnection fee for some of them to let you 'port' the number out.
Yes, it has to be active at the old service provider to move to another company, which is called porting. Do not turn it off. Otherwise, you could lose your number.
Carry a copy of your bill in from the old service provider to make sure that you can do this in one try.
If you are with a carrier like Virgin, you will have to wait 24 hours minimum. The reason is they rent their numbers from another cell company, and it has to go through them, then to Virgin, to complete it. One day on average, so be aware of what you are dealing with.
If you have any other questions, just ask and I'll see what I can help you with.
Topic: Cell Phones (Read 5197 times)