Local cellular dealers reported more questions than actual customer switches Monday as new federal rules enabled mobile phone users for the first time to change companies without losing their phone numbers.
Despite forecasts that millions of wireless users might try to move their numbers to new carriers on the first day, the actual volume of switch requests likely totaled less than 100,000 nationwide, according to feedback from several industry sources.
"Lots of questions, but no changes today," said Dave Edmonds, manager of Cannon Wireless, a dealer for Verizon Wireless in Lynnwood’s Alderwood Mall. "We’ll be ready for them, though."
At the numerous wireless dealers across the mall, most sales representatives weren’t swamped with change requests. There were just a few signs of busier-than-usual business for the major cellular providers.
Esther Ancel, manager of Alert Cellular, said T-Mobile’s computer system was bogged down when she tried to add information from two different customers who switched from other carriers.
"We’ve had four or five people interested stop by and another four or five call in," said Brent Leonard, a sales manager for GSM Cingular. "It’s been a little higher volume than usual for a Monday."
At The Mobile Solution, which represents AT&T Wireless, and a new Sprint dealer at the mall, employees said they also had received several questions about the new rules.
But it seemed that many would-be switchers are waiting to make sure the process runs smoothly enough so they’re not left without service due to unexpected glitches.
The major providers, meanwhile, also weren’t reporting any hard figures on how many customers may have switched from one company to another.
"We’re not going to predict anything. We’re just ready, willing and able to port people," said Anne Marshall, spokeswoman for Redmond-based AT&T Wireless.
She added that the company’s computer systems and customer call centers, including one in Bothell, seemed to be fine on the first day.
The new regulations, mandated by the FCC, also allow consumers and businesses to move their home or office number to a cell phone.
Reporter Eric Fetters: 425-339-3453 or fetters@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
