Today a T-Mobile salesman told me that when portability goes into effect on
11/24, it will not be possible to move most existing cellular phone numbers.
He said that the cellular companies will be creating a special new set of
numbers, and only THOSE numbers will be portable. Is this correct?

George

"George Weischadle" <gweischadle@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:IXHkb.3148$np1.2742@newsread3.news.pas.earthl ink.net...
> Today a T-Mobile salesman told me that when portability goes into effect
on
> 11/24, it will not be possible to move most existing cellular phone
numbers.
> He said that the cellular companies will be creating a special new set of
> numbers, and only THOSE numbers will be portable. Is this correct?
>
> George
>
>
Here's a link which indicates he's wrong.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/indust...ellphone_x.htm

Now in the short term, it may be that only some numbers can be changed. But
designed "NEW" numbers and not allowing old, doesn't do what the FCC want.
Portability will greatly increase churn for any provider which doesn't have
good service and coverage. I'm guessing ATT and Verizon will be the net
winners (all will
lose some but others will win the most).

On Mon, 20 Oct 2003 02:41:44 GMT, "George Weischadle"
<gweischadle@earthlink.net> wrote:

>Today a T-Mobile salesman told me that when portability goes into effect on
>11/24, it will not be possible to move most existing cellular phone numbers.
>He said that the cellular companies will be creating a special new set of
>numbers, and only THOSE numbers will be portable. Is this correct?

From a salesman! You really think you're going to get a definitive
answer from a salesman? Really! There's absolutely no truth
whatsoever that only certain prefixes will be portable. All mobile
prefixes in your area are supposed to be able to have numbers ported.

Next time you want definitive information about the cell phone
industry you should consult an expert.... the guy in the cell phone
accessories kiosk in the mall.

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George Weischadle <gweischadle@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:IXHkb.3148$np1.2742@newsread3.news.pas.earthl ink.net...
> Today a T-Mobile salesman told me that when portability goes into effect
on
> 11/24, it will not be possible to move most existing cellular phone
numbers.
> He said that the cellular companies will be creating a special new set of
> numbers, and only THOSE numbers will be portable. Is this correct?
>
> George

Completely false!!!!

Here is how it happens. Each phone has a
MIN (Mobile Identified Number)
and a
MDN (Mobile Dialable Number)

The MDN stays the same.
however the MIN changes to a number that the cellular company has in its
database.
When someone dials the MDN it goes to the computer which matches it up with
the MIN & calls your phone.
Sound simple huh...... Wait till the switch. I anticipate lots of
programming issues. This is a brand new system being implimented so there
are bound to be bugs that will need fixing.

The cellular companies have been against number portability because in some
cases that is all that is keeping their customer with them. Companies are
goign to have to rely on service & quality now in order to keep their
customers. Either that or lie through their teeth like the guy you spoke
with.

Gee whiz! Imagine that.....

Kukie
--
Conciousness: That annoying time between naps!

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