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DSL News
Keep-your-cell-number rules to begin Monday
Article #: 21
| Date: | | | Written By: | Andrew Backover | | Article: | Starting Monday, customers can keep their cell phone numbers when switching carriers, and 13% of users plan to do so within a year, says a USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll.
That could mean 19.8 million of the U.S. cell industry's 152 million subscribers changing wireless (news - web sites) providers within 12 months. The results track data from consulting firms The Management Network Group (TMNG), which predicts 18 million customers will switch within a year, and AMS, which predicts 12 million to 18 million switchers. Sprint PCS customer Kathleen Horgan, 52, of Milwaukee, wanted to consider other carriers' plans but didn't want to lose her number. The rule is "a wonderful convenience."
The poll found that 5% of cell phone users plan to replace home phones with cell phones. The new rule lets consumers switch home or business numbers to cell phones, and regulators on Thursday denied a request by local phone companies to delay it. The rule could add to the estimated 8 million who have dumped regular phones for wireless. It will "transform the landscape of telecommunications in the United States forever," says Jeff Maszal of TMNG.
The Gallup results, based on responses from nearly 700 cell phone customers, are the latest evidence that the "number portability" rules, set by federal regulators, could create more chaos in the ailing telecom industry. They first take effect in the top 100 markets, spreading nationwide May 24.
Regular phone companies could lose more customers, while winners and losers could emerge among the six national wireless carriers. The number of switchers could rise as awareness grows. While 80% of cell phone owners say they will stay with their current provider, 7% have no opinion.
Carriers so far are trying to retain customers but will soon go after those of rivals, says Dave Meredith, vice president of AMS. They "will switch from playing defense to playing offense," he says.
Consumers and businesses can expect more competition and better service, features and prices. Findings of the Nov. 14-16 poll:
• Among wireless-to-wireless switchers, 1% say they will do so the next day; 4%, within a month; 4%, within three months; and 2%, within a year.
• 2% of cell phone users plan to replace a business phone with a cell phone; 87% say they won't replace a home or business phone.
• Among important factors in choosing a cell carrier, 44% say calling plans; 31%, network coverage; and 12%, customer service. |
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