SPECIAL REPORT: Understanding number portability

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November 28, 2003 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Understanding number portability This week's news

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SPECIAL REPORT
Understanding wireless local number portability
By Heather McDaniel

There's big news in the wireless/cellular phone world this week. The American FCC (Federal Communications Commission) is now allowing you to change phone carriers and take your number with you. While this is a big relief for businesses who want to change carriers, but fear the extra costs of printing new stationery and business cards, more and more consumers like you and me seemed to be pretty psyched about taking our numbers with us.

Before you go off on your holiday shopping spree and get yourself a new wireless carrier as an early Christmas present for yourself, there are a number of things you need to be aware of.

"Do not terminate your current services before initiating service with your new carrier."

What is number portability?
Number portability or WLNP (Wirelesss Local Number Portability) means that you can switch wireless services in the same geographic location and keep your existing phone number. It's pretty the much the same as keeping your wireline (i.e., hard-wired phone that plugs into your wall) number when you change local carriers.

Speaking of wireline numbers, in most cases, you'll also be able to switch from a wireline carrier to a wireless carrier, or vice versa and keep you phone number! I know a lot of people who are doing this; cutting the cord and just going wireless for their main phone number.

Is number portability available nationwide?
As of November 24, 2003, WLNP is available in the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). MSAs are defined by the United States Census Bureau. You can get a map as well as a full listing of the Top 100 MSAs at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/wirelessportability.html#100msas.

If you live outside of the top 100 MSAs, wireless carriers have up to six months to comply with WLNP. So, no matter where you live in the U.S., you'll be able to move carriers and keep your number within six months.

The hidden costs of switching carriers
Be aware of the hidden costs if you want to switch carriers. Probably the best time to switch carriers is when your existing contract ends -- only now you can take your number with you.

If you're with a wireless carrier at the moment, chances are you have some sort of contract that ranges from one to two years. Just because you can now take your number with you, this does not mean you can simply break your contract to switch carriers. It's still costly to do so, with carriers charging anywhere from $150-$250 just so you can get out of your contract and switch to another carrier.

Another hidden fee with be the fee to keep your current number. When the FCC mandated that wireless carriers have the capability to port numbers, the FCC said that carriers are allowed to charge a fee to recover porting costs. This fee can come from either your current or new carrier. So if your old carrier is trying to charge you a fee, see if you can talk your new carrier into absorbing that fee. It won't always work, but it is worth the try.

Even if you don't take advantage of number portability, many carriers are charging anywhere from 55 cents to $1.50 each month to customers to recoup costs. Check your bill to see how much you're being charged. You'll see the charge in the fees section of your bill.

Also note that you'll probably have to purchase a new phone. Yes, you may have the coolest phone on the block with all of the neat bells and whistles, but it won't do you any good if it's sitting on the shelf because your new carrier doesn't support it.

Here's why. Phones in the United States work on different networks such as CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), GSM (Groupe Spéciale Mobile), TDMA (Time Division/Demand Multiple Access), and AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System). Let's say that you're currently with T-Mobile, which uses primarily a GSM network. You want to switch to Sprint, which uses a CDMA network. Since the carriers use different technologies, you won't be able to use the phone that works with GSM on the CDMA network.

Even if you switch carriers that use the same technology, carriers tend to support only the handsets that have been tested on their system. For instance, Sprint and Verizon both use CDMA networks, and Sprint's network might not support your Verizon phone. Check with the carrier you want to switch to and see if they support your current handset.

A few more important suggestions
Still want to switch carriers? There are a few more things to look out for as you go through the process of changing carriers.

First and foremost, do not terminate your current services before initiating service with your new carrier. Your best bet is to contact your new carrier and they'll start the porting process by contacting your current carrier. There is a transition period, and it's important to ask you new carrier how long the process will take.

If you use 911 during the transition, it's important to be aware that the dispatcher may not know the location or the number you're calling from. Be sure to tell the dispatcher at the beginning of the call your location and phone number.

We're entering a new era in the wireless industry and it's important to be as well informed as possible and feel free to ask questions!

ZATZ Senior News Editor Heather McDaniel is widely acknowledged as a leading expert on the converging handheld and mobile telecommunications industries.

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COMPUTING UNPLUGGED NEWS CENTER
This week's news
Want to get the very latest mobile and wireless news? The Computing Unplugged News Center is updated every day with news of product releases, industry info, tips, techniques, and pointers to great mobile and wireless resources on the Web. Here's this week's news:

Apache expert needed
We just got a consumer electronics product in for review in Computing Unplugged Magazine and were quite disturbed to find that this product, quietly and without notification, installs a copy of Apache on the user's computer. We're looking for an Apache expert who'll volunteer to look at the httpd.conf file the product generates and let us know if there are any serious flaws or concerns in the implementation (above and beyond the whole discussion about installing Apache to begin with). If you're able to take a look at the file, please contact address@hidden. We'll give you a mention in the article as a thank-you!

Flight articles deadline reminder
Here's a short reminder. If you're working on articles or photo collections to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight Special Issues, they're due to us by December 5. Please be sure to send them in to address@hidden.

What's technology industry thankful for?
The New York Times' David Pogue asks if the technology industry were a traditional family, sitting down to a Thanksgiving dinner, what would those gathered have to be thankful for? He goes on to list several things such as Google, one-dollar downloads, and digital photography. Free registration is required to view this article.

Aglix delivers FranklinCovey TabletPlanner 3.0
Agilix Labs announced the delivery of the FranklinCovey TabletPlanner 3.0 to strategic partner FranklinCovey. TabletPlanner is a custom-developed software solution that combines Agilix note-taking, storage, and search technology with FranklinCovey's productivity and planning methodology. With TabletPlanner 3.0, you can keep appointments, tasks, and contacts in sync with Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 or Microsoft Exchange 2003. You can also annotate, search, and store any document in a virtual document filing system, including Microsoft Office 2003 applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio,), Adobe Acrobat, Web pages, and email.

Proporta Dell Axim X3 Leather Flip Case
Proporta announced the latest addition to its leather case line-up, the Proporta Dell Axim X3 Leather Flip Case. The flip type case has been custom made for the Axim X3 following Proporta's strict design policies, in order to fit all contours of the PDA perfectly. The Proporta Dell Axim X3 leather flip case also has space for credit, business and memory cards for multi-function use.

ZIM's wireless products selected by StarHub
ZIM announced that three of its wireless products have been selected by Singapore's fastest growing carrier, StarHub, for introduction to its customer base. The products, to be called StarHub SMS Office (Standard and Enterprise Editions) and StarHub SMS Mail, feature wireless email connectivity through SMS text messaging. StarHub SMS Mail allows email forwarding from any POP 3 account to a mobile phone with reply capabilities. StarHub SMS Office Standard Edition, designed for the Microsoft Outlook environment, allows users not only to receive, reply to and forward email, but also integrates reminders and calendar items too. The more advanced version, StarHub SMS Office Enterprise Edition, is designed for a networked environment.

DataPilot available at Best Buy stores
Susteen announced that its DataPilot Universal Kit is now available for purchase in all Best Buy stores. DataPilot allows the transfer of contact information between your mobile phone, PC, Palm Desktop, and other PDAs. This software also interfaces with the contact management software running on your PC, such as Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express and ACT!. It supports over 150 cell phone models including the most popular ones.

Viruses and worms on handsets
The New York Times says that as more consumers begin surfing the Web and sending email messages on cellphone and handheld devices, along comes a new worry: worms and viruses spread via Internet-enabled handsets. Free registration is required to view this article.

CNET's plans for MP3.com
CNET Networks said it plans early next year to offer a music upload and download destination for independent artists on its newly acquired MP3.com Web site. CNET earlier this month agreed to acquire the online music site MP3.com from Vivendi Universal for an undisclosed price. According to Forbes, as part of that agreement, the MP3 site, which hosts music from 250,000 mostly unsigned artists, will shut down and the material on the site will be destroyed.

Sendo announces smartphone
Techworld reports that British mobile phone developer Sendo has become the latest company to announce a one-piece smartphone. Due to ship during the first quarter of 2004, the Sendo X is based on the Symbian Series 60 operating system already used in phones from Nokia, Siemens and others, but with extensions. The Sendo X comes with synchronization software for a range of PC applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes and Lotus Organizer.

Microsoft going after car market again
Microsoft has persuaded a number of carmakers to use its slimmed-down Windows CE operating system to power a variety of in-car electronics, from navigation systems to music players to information devices. News.com reports that BMW has gravitated to Microsoft systems, although the company has announced wins with Honda, Volvo and others as well.

Color BlackBerry reaches Europe
Reasearch in Motion introduced a new tri-band device for enterprise users in Europe with support for international roaming on GSM/GPRS networks. According to Internet News, the BlackBerry 7730 handheld also offers cradle-free wireless email synchronization, integrated email attachment viewing, support for international roaming (on 900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS networks), a push-based wireless architecture and a wireless extension to existing email accounts including Microsoft Exchange or IBM Lotus Domino accounts.

Test your Word Mojo
Astraware Limited announced the release of its newest word game for PDA, Word Mojo. Developed and published by Astraware, Word Mojo is a conversion of the highly popular PC and Web game by US based FreshGames, LLC. Word Mojo is a simple, crossword-style word game that is both challenging and fun with a play style that engages the player with unlimited word variations played against the clock or with no time limit.

New instant messaging and presence services
MessageVine and Hutchison CAT Wireless MultiMedia announced the deployment of Instant Messaging and Presence services. Hutch offers the IM Access application on the recently launched HutchPlay service, which offers a variety of downloadable applications. The new service is available on the BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless) platform from QUALCOMM and offers an intuitive, easy to navigate interface for accessing IM buddy lists from mobile phones.

FitalyStamp3 released for two devices
Textware Solutions announced that new versions of FitalyStamp3 for the Palm Powered Kyocera 7135 and Samsung SPH-i500 are now shipping. Each version has been designed to fit over the existing Grafitti area of the specified device. FitalyStamp3 is the latest version of FitalyStamp, the keyboard overlay allowing 50 WPM on your Palm OS based device, and the fastest text input method with a stylus.

Treo 600 now AudibleReady device
Audible announced that the new Treo 600 wireless smartphone from palmOne can act as an AudibleReady device for listening to any audio downloaded from Audible.com. The free AudiblePlayer for Palm OS transforms the Treo 600 smartphone into a go-anywhere audiobook playback device, capable of storing and playing hours of audiobooks, audio periodicals, public radio, language learning, and more.

Recovery for BlackBerry outages
Evergreen Assurance announced its continuous availability solution designed specifically for RIM's BlackBerry wireless service. Evergreen for BlackBerry Enterprise Server is a new service that provides recovery for BlackBerry outages via Evergreen Assurance's automated one-click failover system. Evergreen's new solution provides a dedicated secondary BlackBerry system and monitors customers' BlackBerry server status from two remote command and control centers staffed 24x7. Evergreen for BlackBerry supports companies that route their BlackBerry service through either Microsoft Exchange or Lotus Domino servers.

Sharp goes after business market
Sharp has announced its first Linux-based Zaurus PDA for the corporate market. PC World reports that Metrowerks' Open PDA variant of the Linux operating system forms the software base for the series. Each device is supplied with the Opera Web browser, mail software, an address book, and personal information manager application, Hanacom Mobile Word and Mobile Sheet applications, imaging and presentation software, Java, and other applications.

Apple (iPod) does it again
Apple, maker of exceptional products, seems to have a tendency to inspire fanaticism, whether it's adoration or hatred. In this amusing movie, one iPod owner shows how Apple won't replace his iPod's dead, internal battery, even though he's owned the unit for only 18 months.

Editorial comment: it's always baffled us how Apple has long managed to piss off customers with its crappy support policies. It seems that if such incredible attention goes into the user experience (and it does), similar attention should go into the consumer experience. In any case, we're betting that Apple lost well over the replacement cost of the battery in the bad PR generated by one unhappy customer armed with (you guessed it), a Mac and iMovie.

ZATZ launches new mag!
ZATZ Publishing (ZATZ us, the publishers of this-here publication) today launched our newest magazine, Connected Photographer. We named the magazine Connected Photographer for a reason. Whether you're producing snapshots for your family or professional shots for clients, or even pictures for yourself, connections, both Internet and interpersonal, pervade every aspect of picture taking, production, and creation.

Connected Photographer will have the same editorial style of our other magazines. We'll be personal, accessible, and friendly. We'll cover interesting simple tips for beginners as well as some elements of photography so advanced that only a few people stand a chance of understanding. We'll mix our advanced topics in with beginner topics, we'll have some fun, and we'll all learn to be better photographers, and better connectors.

Please feel free to visit the new magazine, subscribe, send friends to it, and, of course, send chocolate!

Extended Systems working with Reply Wireless
Extended Systems announced that the company is collaborating with Reply Wireless, a UK based wireless data subscription services company, to deliver quick, secure and cost-competitive corporate email through managed, subscription sales of Extended Systems' OneBridge Mobile Groupware. With OneBridge Mobile Groupware, Reply Mail supports a variety of wireless devices (PDAs, Smartphones, Symbian, SyncML, WAP phones or laptops) and leading groupware applications (Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes).

Nokia looking for partners to market Nokia One
Nokia is looking for additional partners among resellers and integrators as part of a three-pronged approach to market with Nokia One software-based services. According to Computing, UK, Nokia One allows users to check voicemail, access calendars and corporate directories and send and receive email from any device remotely. Users can preview subject headers, then call in and listen to their email and reply via SMS.

Streamline maintenance operations
MicroMain Corporation announced the launch of xmMOBILE, its first Microsoft ..NET-connected application. This new software module allows maintenance personnel to streamline operations by using Pocket PCs to convey data related to maintenance tasks and inspections. Features in xmMOBILE include updating asset meter readings and using labor or activity cost and charge information when assigning labor to work order activities. With this module, the same labor or the same part can be assigned multiple times to the same work order. Users can also download lookup table data to the Pocket PC for field pick lists, which offer many filtering options including limiting assets by property building or limiting parts by class.

Treo 600 available through AT&T Wireless
AT&T Wireless and palmOne announced the immediate availability of the Treo 600 smartphone, an integrated wireless smartphone that runs over AT&T Wireless Next Generation GSM/GPRS network. The Treo 600 smartphone provides a POP3 email solution and comes preconfigured with settings for several popular ISPs, or users can set up the Treo 600 smartphone to access their own POP3 accounts. In addition, through agreements with Good Technology and Visto Corporation, AT&T Wireless is now offering corporate email solutions that provide businesses with access to Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes email behind their corporate firewalls.

X-traFun teams with Actel
Actel Corporation announced that X-traFun has selected Actel's eX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device to perform control, interface and security functions in the X-traFun Bluetooth Wireless PDA Cartridge for Nintendo's Game Boy Advance handheld game console. The eX FPGA's high-performance will allow users to enjoy next- generation interactive gaming and wireless Web, email and chat applications on any Game Boy Advance handheld game console.

Store photos from your phone
dotPhoto announced the availability of Webshots photo sharing services to carriers offering BREW or JAVA-enabled platforms. dotPhoto will develop the Webshots photo sharing application with Pictavision. Wireless customers will have the ability to view and share personal photos stored in their Webshots online albums directly from their phones, and the ability to download their Webshots online photos as mobile wallpaper.

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