Neko
Supreme Overlord
Dec 11, 2003, 3:05 AM
Post #1 of 1
(2749 views)
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CHICAGO Nov. 21, 2002 – Beginning November 24, U.S. wireless consumers will enjoy the benefit of “porting” their phone numbers. Whether it’s from one wireless service provider to another or from a wireline number to a wireless number, wireless number portability (WNP) will change the way the nation’s 152 million wireless consumers shop for their telecommunications services.
“During our company’s 20-year history, we have witnessed many industry changes but WNP is the biggest by far,” said John E. Rooney, U.S. Cellular president and CEO. “WNP will certainly benefit consumers because more telecommunications providers will be vying for their attention. However, it will also create an influx of questions and possible service issues. We want consumers to understand the porting process before they even step in a store.”
According to Rooney, every wireless consumer should know these WNP basics: - Not everybody can take advantage of WNP in November. The November 24 deadline is for customers living in one of the nation’s top 100 metropolitan areas, which covers nearly 70 percent of the population. WNP will take affect in the remaining areas by May 24, 2004. To see which cities make the first round, visit www.easyporting.com.
- Not every company will be completely prepared. WNP is a tremendous undertaking , representing a multi-million dollar investment. While wireless companies have been working toward this deadline for several years, most will probably have some kinks to iron out during the first weeks of portability. The wireline to wireless mandate represents a bigger challenge, involving more complex technology and longer port times.
- Leave the port to your new provider. Your new service provider’s sales associates or customer service representatives will work with your old service provider to ensure a smooth transition. When you call or visit the new service provider, you should bring the most recent copy of your current provider bill to verify information and facilitate your request. Be sure, however, to keep your service active with your old service provider during the switch or you could lose your number. Once the transfer is complete, your old service will automatically be deactivated.
- A new service provider equals a new phone. To ensure that customers receive the best call quality and access to the full range of services, U.S. wireless service providers will most likely require consumers to purchase a new phone with the specific providers customized technology.
- While you wait. While the FCC recommends a two-and-a-half hour timeframe for moving a phone number from one service provider to another, it’s only a recommendation . Depending upon your provider, the timeframe could vary from two hours to a couple days for a wireless-to-wireless transfer and could be even longer to port a wireline number. During that time, however, customers will still be able to use their old phones.
“U.S. Cellular looks forward to meeting the challenges WNP will bring,” Rooney said. “At the end of the day, we believe that a great network and good customer service will matter most to consumers. Our goal is to eliminate WNP confusion by educating consumers and making them feel welcome and at-ease when they speak with our retail and call center associates.”
U.S. Cellular has invested more than $50 million in WNP training, technology and other support. The company has hired more than 1,000 associates this year to help concentrate on both WNP customer service and serving its expanding customer base in Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Oklahoma. U.S. Cellular also has been educating consumers about the difference between calling 911 from a wireline and wireless phone by encouraging them to always identify their location first. For more information about WNP, visit www.uscellular.com or call 1-888-BUY-USCC.
U.S. Cellular Corporation, the nation’s eighth largest wireless service carrier, provides wireless service to more than 4.3 million customers in 145 markets throughout 26 states. The 20-year-old Chicago-based company operates on a customer satisfaction strategy, meeting customers’ needs by providing a comprehensive range of products and services, superior customer support, and a high-quality network. U.S. Cellular is listed and trade as USM on the American Stock Exchange.
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