FINALLY, GOOD NEWS FOR CELL PHONE USERS!

For years, consumers with land line phones have been able to switch from one local carrier to another without having to change their phone numbers. Now, under the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC's) wireless "local number portability" rules, which go into effect on November 24th, this service will be available to cell phone customers as well.

Starting next week you can switch wireless carriers within the same geographic area AND keep your existing phone number. In addition to switching from one wireless carrier to another, in most cases, you will be able to switch from a land line carrier to a wireless carrier, or from a wireless carrier to a land line carrier, and still keep your phone number. Indeed very good news for those of us who live and die by the cell, but this isn't the only advancement in the cell phone arena.

Cell phone customers now also have at least three one-stop shopping websites to compare and shop for a new provider. These sites were all launched in anticipation of the new FCC rules. WireFly.com went live Monday, bundling information on offers by seven major cell phone carriers along with ratings from J.D. Power and Associates. CellUpdate.com also offers comparisons of plans, while NumberPortability.com claims it will be the independent source of information on number portability AND help you get the best deal on a phone and plan all at the same time.

Mikal, thanks for this posting. You did the research for me! I heard about this the other day on NPR, but couldn't remember the concement date, or the specifics. Now, I don't have to look up anything. You rock. Thanks for bringing us fair and balanced news...think I'll get sued for that reference?