A new law goes into effect today allowing cell phone users to switch service providers without switching phone numbers, and ASU students said it would decrease hassles for them.
The Federal Communication Commission-regulated law will cover the top 100 largest metropolitan markets first, eventually spreading to the rest of the country. The Phoenix metropolitan area is the 12th largest in the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Under the FCC's "local number portability" rules, people can switch wireless carriers within the same geographic area and keep their existing phone number.
Ira Feuerstein, the owner of Connected Wireless and Satellite, a Phoenix store that mainly sells cell phones and satellites, said he believed the law would benefit students who could avoid the hassle of having to give out a new number to friends, relatives or business colleagues.
"Students spend a lot of time on campus trying to get good grades," Feuerstein said. "The last thing they need is to switch their phone numbers and spend time telling people about it."
Communication senior Martha Carter said she doesn't know anyone who doesn't have a cell phone.
"Students are so mobile," she said. "It's less hassle and less maintenance to be able to stay in contact with people if you are in transit."
Elementary education freshman Tara Bartlett said she would like to switch providers so that all her friends back home will be able to contact her via the same number. She added, "People I talk to now - but won't talk to in months - will be able to contact me at the same number, and vice versa."
Though students were generally happy with the law, Feuerstein said it might cause some confusion.
"A lot of people are confused about how this will work," Feuerstein said.
Feuerstein said he thinks the new law might be a little rocky for users for at least the first 24 hours, but afterward, consumers will be pleased with their experience.
Users wishing to switch their service will need to provide a copy of the last bill from their previous provider and a user name and address for verification. It could take up to 24 hours for the portability to go into effect.
Feuerstein said consumers would benefit, as well as retailers that offer multiple products.
"For years and years, the consumer has been held hostage to their carrier," Feuerstein said. "This should make things a lot better for the consumer."
Cellular providers will be expected to take good care of customers, and the ones not treating their customers will lose out, Feuerstein said.
The main things consumers look for are superior rate coverage, customer care and overall coverage, including lack of dropped calls and clear reception, he said.
Reach the reporter at stephanie.j.anderson@asu.edu.
