How do I transfer cell phone service to a new company...?

Question

without being billed the contract termination fee? Is this possible? I don't care about keeping the same number, just different provider
I currently have wireless through Qwest, it is not all they cracked it up to be, I would like to switch to Cell One.

Answer 1

Check out this site!
They offer FREE phones and shipping
You can also compare service plans from Cingular, Verizon, Nextel, Sprint, T-mobile Etc.
You can port your existing number to here.
I got my phones and service here and they work great.
Hope this helps
http://www.belowfree.com/whatsyournumber/

Answer 2

How long have you been with Qwest? If only a few days, there should be a clause in your contract that lets you cancel without penalty (usually it's 10 days). If more than that, but less than 2 years (usually - it depends on how long you signed your contract for), then you are out of luck, I'm afraid.

From http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/NumberPortability/#earlyfee:

"If a consumer has a long-term contract with a carrier, is that consumer still obligated to pay an early termination fee even if he/she ports the phone number to a new carrier?

Yes. While consumers who wish to switch carriers may request service from and port numbers to a new carrier at any time, they are still obligated to pay any early termination fees they may have under an existing contract, and they are obligated to pay any outstanding balance owed to the old carrier."

Just purely for FYI - I checked Consumer Reports for the highest rated cellular service companies - neither Cellular One nor Qwest were rated. Verizon and T-Mobile were pretty much 1st and 2nd throughout the entire country.

Answer 3

I don't think there is a way to get out of the contract. Most cell phone companies are big on keeping contracts, and if you have had your phone longer then I believe the 48 hours they give you to change your mind then you are pretty much stuck with the termination fee. Good luck with your switch.

Answer 4

most cell phone companies give you a 14 day or 30 day trial. but i dont hink that you can get out of the contract without paying the termination fee.

Answer 5

SImple answer, Yes, this is called Wireless Number Portability and is easily done, as long as your in one of the 150 largest US Cities it is mandatory to offer. Getting the phone from Cingular is tougher, but typically they get paid on extensions of your contract so they will work with you. Call or go into a store and tell them what you want to do. If you get a no at a store, I would call and say you are thinking about swapping unless you can get the new phone.

Answer 6

unless you can get them for breach of contract you will have to pay a termination fee and they are usually from 150$ to 300$ good luck