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How to Switch Cellular Carriers
You already have a cellular phone, but it's
time to upgrade, or you don't like how you've
been treated by your old carrier. Here are
the steps to take to make the switch. You
can make your changes without leaving home.
1. Determine who offers service in your area. Use the Dex directory below, scan the newspaper for a few ads,
or check your yellow pages. Most online cellular
retailers will ask you to enter a Zip Code
and tell you right away. Choose at least
3 carriers, and that can include your current
one. You need to choose a company that serves
your area (some have coverage but don't offer
service there). If you have a local cellular
company, put them on your list, too.
2. Make sure the coverage is adequate in your neighborhood, and where you work
& travel. Most carriers offer detailed
maps at their web site. Check with neighbors
and co-workers to at least eliminate carriers
that don't work in those locations. If that
narrows your list to less than 3, you might
want to look at additional carriers. Look
for guidance on our page of recommendations, ratings or Pros & Cons.
3. Find the best deals. Take your list to our reviews for cellular carriers for your state. Follow the links to your
chosen carriers. Determine which plans fit
your current usage and the phone from each
company that suits your fancy. Make a note
of plans and features you'd like. Feel free
to call carriers with questions about their
offers. Now, you're ready to switch, but
if you don't hate your current provider, don't assume switching
is the best option. Oh, and get an update
from your employer's HR department to see
if they have a deal with any cellular company.
4. Look for even better deals from one of our shopping partners who are not affiliated with any one carrier,
like Let's Talk or Amazon.com. The links on that page also connect you
to package or "web-only" deals
with the carriers themselves. This can also
be done at a local, independent cellular store, but we haven't changed from our jammies,
yet, have we?
5. Before switching, call your current carrier and ask what they can do for you...you might
be surprised. Tell them your best choice
of phone and plan, and ask for their best
deal before you'll re-sign for another year
or two. If they can't satisfy you, or if
you still want to shop around, it's time
to check your list. If you like your carrier's
coverage but can't stand dealing with them,
consider switching to a different company
that uses the same network, an "MVNO".
6. Go to the top choice on your list. You'll need to choose a new
phone...but it might be free. If you want
to keep your wireless number, you'll be "porting" your number. All the carriers and re-sellers know how
to do it, but you should have your old bill
in front of you. Contact the new carrier
by phone or online. Make sure you tell them,
or enter, your old information the same,
even if it has miss-spellings. Let the new
carrier cancel your old service. Also, make
sure you're not under contract with the old
carrier. If not, consult our Tips Page for 5 ways to get out of your old contract
with little or no penalty. Even then, don't
cancel your account, let the new carrier
do that. If anything smells fishy, be prepared
to go to the next choice on your list.
6. Take it for spin. OK, you've got the deal you like, a carrier
that works where you want it, and a phone
that you love, or at least can live with
for a couple years. As soon as you get it,
use it in at least a few of the places you'll
need it, especially in your house. "Can
you hear me now?" calls to friends are
not unexpected. You have 14 days or more
to make sure this is "the one."
Some carriers offer, and some states require,
a 30-day tryout. Some carriers will let you
bring it back and give you all your money
back. Most of them, though, will credit everything
but your minutes used.
7. Buyer's remorse? Always be nice to your old carrier. You
may find your new choice sucks and you'll
wanna 'go home.' Most likely, the old carrier
will welcome you back with open arms, and
even "un-port" your phone number
(although 'stuff happens' as you increase
the complexity of your situation). But don't
let your pride get in the way of having the
best cellular phone experience possible.
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