Playing The Numbers

By Wilson Rothman

Starting this week, cell-phone users will finally be able to keep their old numbers if they change carriers. If you're making a switch, there are some points you should bear in mind. At first only customers in the 100 largest U.S. metro areas can switch; others must wait until May. Make sure you're free of the contract that binds you to your old service: if you modified a plan or bought a phone in the past 12 months, you're probably still under contract, and breaking it could cost you $150. Don't cancel your existing service; that happens automatically during the number "port." Opt out early, and you may forfeit your number. For more info, visit www.easyporting.com

--By Wilson Rothman