Extras and Long Distance on home phone line: Home phone service typically charge extra for such things as caller ID, voice mail and, of course, long distance. Cell phone plans often include the extras and long distance in their service. If you switch from a home phone to wireless, your long distance service will not move with you, so make sure to verify your long distance options when changing to a cell phone provider.

Safety with Home Phone Line: If you dial 911 from your home phone, the emergency operators can immediately pinpoint your location. If you dial 911 from your cell phone at home or on the road, most emergency operators cannot readily locate you, and unfortunately, there is no guarantee that your call will get through.

Service Quality: Consumers frequently complain about wireless service quality, such as dead zones and dropped calls. Overloaded networks and "dead spots" can affect your ability to use a wireless phone in ways that are not a consideration for landlines.
Whether consumers are switching their home phone number to their cell phone, or switching cell-phone companies, they also should consider the service quality.

Extra Fees when switching carriers: Companies are allowed to charge a fee to departing customers for their cost of switching over phone numbers, but cannot charge in excess of these porting costs. Some companies may pay your current phone providers cost in order to get your business. Consumers should remember that if they change service before their contract ends, they likely will pay a termination fee. They should also keep in mind that while they get to keep their cell phone number, they might not be able to keep their cell phone, so consider the cost of a new phone before switching.

Initiating a Switch: If you want to change cell phone carriers, or move your home phone line to a cell phone, contact the new carrier, who will start the process. Do not terminate service with your existing carrier before initiating a switch. Also, know that you are obligated to pay any early termination fees that may apply with your existing cell phone provider.

Switching Time: It should only take a few hours to move your current cell phone number to a new cell phone provider (wireless-to-wireless transfer). It is expected to take several business days to complete a home Landline to cell phone transfer (Landline to wireless). Make sure to ask the cell phone company you are moving to if you will still be able to use your home Landline during the transfer process.

 For more information on wireless-to-wireless transfers, or Landline-to-wireless transfers, call the Federal Communications Commission, 1-888-225-5322 or visit www.fcc.gov.