Home To Cellular Phone Number Portability

Get the latest news and tips on Portable Cellular Numbers.

Note: The terms "wireline" and "landline" refer to a standard phone jack connection.

The details: The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has put together a rule that would require local phone companies to let customers switch their home or business numbers to cell phones. This rule became effective November 24th, 2003. Now a homeowner can finally cut the cord and go completely wireless.

The home portability number is restricted to your local calling area. This means if you move out of your local calling area, your home number cannot be taken with you.

Just like cell phone number portability, the move from wireline to wireless is a major win for consumers. Consumers can now choose to keep their current local landline plan, or just eliminate it completely. Once this rule becomes effective, prices for local landline calling plans are bound to come down. Already, according to the "Yankee Group" research firm, 5.8 million people have abandoned their home phone line for wireless only. It's no wonder why local phone companies are protesting this move - the loss of customers to wireless only, and the eventual local service price decreases will hurt revenues.

We can foresee local phone companies using Internet access as leverage. If you are currently using dial-up or DSL internet services, local phone services will require you to have a working landline telephone number to access the net. Or, will other Internet access options that do not need a telephone line such as cable or satellite lower prices so consumers can just eliminate a local landline altogether? Comcast, a cable Internet provider, is currently offering the lowest broadband prices in certain states with a recent special. Can Internet access users expect lower prices as well? We think so.

For the cellular carriers, look for them to embrace this change. Look for possible "unlimited" cellular calling plans in the next few months that allow for anytime calling - no more daytime or nighttime minutes. Cellular reception and coverage areas, already improving due to cell phone carrier to cell phone carrier portability, will improve even further. Regardless of when this change is implemented, look for developments to move and change quickly - all in favor to the consumer.