Going wireless to get easier

WASHINGTON — The days of having more than one phone number may be, well, numbered for many people.

Federal regulators approved rules Monday making it easier for consumers to go totally wireless by allowing them to transfer their home number to their cell phone.

For those who favor traditional phones, the Federal Communications Commission also plans to allow people to transfer their cell number to their home phone, though initially only a few will have this option.

These rules, which come on top of plans to allow people to keep their cell number when they change wireless companies, are aimed at boosting competition in the telecommunications industry.

All the changes take effect Nov. 24 for customers in the 100 largest metropolitan areas. They will apply to everyone beginning March 24.

Consumer advocates predict the changes will lead to lower prices, better service and more options for phone customers, many of whom have been reluctant to switch service because it required changing phone numbers they had given to relatives, friends and business associates.

It also is likely to spur more people to ditch the traditional landline phone and go wireless.

"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."

As many as 7 million consumers use cell phones exclusively. Jeff Maszal, research director for The Management Network Group, an Overland Park, Kan.-based communications consulting firm, said another 19 million consumers are likely to drop their landlines for cell phones now that they can keep their home or business phone numbers.

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.

On Nov. 24 people who want to switch can contact the new carrier to make that happen. They should have their phone number, billing address, account number and latest bill.

The FCC says the goal is to transfer a single number within 2 1/2 hours after the new carrier calls the old provider. It could take days for multiple lines to be switched.

The carriers could charge a switching fee, but some may decide to pay the cost themselves as a way to entice customers.

Some companies are also offering free phones to get customers to switch.

Most customers will have to get a new cell phone when they change providers, because each company uses different technology.