Escape Cell Hell

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Sample Email Message:

I want the freedom to keep my cell phone number if I switch carriers. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered cell phone companies to give me number portability on November 24, and most consumers’ bills already include fees to make that possible. Please allow number portability to go forward as scheduled without any further delays.

Cell phone number portability is important to me. Many people know my cell phone number. I don’t want to have to change numbers if I change carriers, and I shouldn’t have to. When I have the right to take my number with me, cell phone companies will have to work harder to keep my business, or risk losing it to their competitors. That should lead to lower prices and better service, which is what competition and the marketplace are supposed to offer. There are no real technical barriers standing in the way of number portability.

Consumers want number portability, but many cell phone companies are trying to get Congress to pass legislation to delay it. Apparently, some even plan to ignore the new rule if they can’t get their way in Washington. Consumers in England, Australia and Hong Kong can take their numbers with them if they switch carriers. Why shouldn’t consumers in the United States have the same benefit?

Please don’t delay implementation of this important new rule, and don’t allow the cell phone companies to ignore it either. Congress and the FCC must let cell phone companies know that they will be held accountable if they fail to provide me with number portability by the November 24 deadline.

Why should cell phone companies be allowed to continue charging number portability fees if they aren’t going to give me portability on time? Let me take my number with me if I switch carriers!

Sample Newsletter Posting:

Dropped calls. Dead zones. Poor service in general. If you’re like many cell phone users, these problems have led you to consider switching carriers. But of course, if you change carriers you would have to change your phone number too.

That’s about to change. On November 24, after four years of industry delay, cell phone carriers will be required to let you take your phone number with you when you switch carriers. It’s called number portability and it’s a big deal because consumers will likely see lower prices and better service as companies try harder to keep - or attract - business.

But there is a catch -- some cell phone carriers may simply ignore the new requirement and members of Congress are even thinking of helping them thwart this pro-competition, pro-consumer policy.

ACT NOW - use the letter below to tell Congress that you want to take your number with you if you switch cell phone carriers.

Please edit or add your own text – using your own voice makes the letter stronger.

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Link to: http://www.EscapeCellHell.org
Alt text: "www.EscapeCellHell.org - Click here now to call for better wireless service."

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Click here to call for better wireless service.

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On November 24, 2003 wireless carriers nationwide will be required to let most over 100 million subscribers keep their phone numbers when switching carriers. Click here to let your Congressperson know you want to keep your number!

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Consumers Union Offices: Consumers Union OPI, New York - Washington Office
West Coast Regional Office - Southwest Regional Office - Consumer Policy Institute

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