FCC Approves New Home To Cell Ruling
 

WASHINGTON - Federal regulators gave the go-ahead Monday for consumers to switch their home phone numbers to their cell phones.

The Federal Communications Commission said people will be able to transfer their numbers as long as their wireless coverage area overlaps the location of their conventional phone.

In some cases, cell customers also will be able to transfer their numbers to conventional phones. However, the FCC said it needed to gather more information so it could expand the number of people who could do so.

The new home-to-cell number and the limited cell-to-home rules take effect Nov. 24, the same day wireless customers will be able to keep their numbers when they switch cell phone companies. The rules govern customers living in the 100 most populous metropolitan areas and take effect six months later for all others.

"After today, it's easier than ever to cut the cord," FCC Chairman Michael Powell said. "By firmly endorsing a customer's right to untether themselves from the wireline network ? and take their telephone number with them ? we act to eliminate impediments to competition between wireless and wireline services."

Consumer advocates have long said that technological advances made it unnecessary for phone customers to have different home and cell numbers, and that they should be allowed to take their cell phone numbers with them when they change companies.

"When we reduce the switching costs of going from one carrier to another, you're making the market more competitive," said Chris Murray, legislative counsel for Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports magazine.

"There's both the economic cost of a new phone number ? having to print new business cards, having to potentially contact everyone who might have your phone number ? and massive inconvenience," he said."

It should take a few days to handle requests from customers wishing to switch landline numbers to cell phones. During the busy Christmas holiday season, customers may have to wait longer for the transfers.

Consumers who want to switch companies could have new service as quickly as 2 1/2 hours after the new carrier has contacted the old provider. The switch will take longer if more than one line is involved.

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Eventually I'll have a wireless T1 in my shirt pocket...

The question is... Do you think cell phone plans will get cheaper? From what I've been reading, yes.. Although ya still will have to pay the $150-200 cancellation charge to switch providers..

November 24th is the date!!:thumbsup