June 10, 2004

By: Ivan Traum
Website: http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com

Full portability of cellular phone numbers goes into effect nation wide

Full portability of cellular phone numbers goes into effect nation wide, creating a new problem for consumers – what to do with old cell phones.

Last November the Federal Communications Commission began portability of cell phone numbers, but only in the 100 most populous metropolitan areas of the country. Now the rules of number portability are expanded to include the entire nation.

To help consumers, carriers, and retailers deal with this huge avalanche of used wireless phones, CellForCash.com has launched a campaign informing people that their retired cell phones may still be of value.

Right now consumers are focused on keeping their most valuable resource, their phone number. said James Mosieur CEO of RMS Communications Group, Inc., the company that operates CellForCash.com. Most don’t realize that they can’t use their old phone when they switch.

Thousands of people each month are currently selling their unwanted cell phones to RMS using the innovative website. CellForCash.com makes it easy to turn in old phones, and they will even provide for shipping.

We have already seen a tremendous interest from consumers after the start of portability in November. We anticipate an additional increase in activity following the May 24th expansion, said Mosieur. Most consumers don’t have many profitable and environmentally friendly options for disposing of their old cell phones.

About 2.6 million wireless customers have switched to new carriers since Nov. 24, according to the FCC. This has added to the estimated 130 million phones abandoned by consumers each year, and the number is expected to continue to increase.

There are an estimated 170 million cell phones currently in use, and each has a life span of just 12 to 24 months. Consumers love to upgrade to the latest and greatest model, and now that they are able to keep their phone number they will be more likely to make the switch to take advantage of enticing offers from competitive carrier.

About The Author:

Ivan Traum is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com.  A source for info and tips for the cellular phone industry featuring articles, comparisons and reviews of cellular phones and service plans.