| > | | | | internet cell phone deals. |
| | | | Internet dealers often offer some very innovative |
| The internet can be a great place to buy your next | | | | and high end cell phones for free after rebate. |
| cell phone. How many times have you been in the | | | | However, to receive these offers, you must also |
| mall and were harassed by some pushy wireless | | | | sign up for a new cell phone plan. If you want to |
| telephone dealer? The internet store is a sharp | | | | stay with your current carrier, you must sign up for a |
| contrast to this type of environment. On the | | | | new phone number along with the new phone plan. |
| internet, you can take your time, research a | | | | This is because number portability is carrier to carrier |
| particular phone, and search for the best deals. In | | | | (not inter-carrier). Although you could upgrade your |
| addition to this, internet dealers generally have better | | | | phone and keep your number and carrier, this would |
| cell phone deals than their brick and mortar | | | | not qualify you for most internet offers. The |
| competitors. But how do you take advantage of | | | | alternative is to keep your cell phone number |
| these better deals? | | | | (through number portability) and switch carriers. |
| In 2004, the government approved number | | | | However, if you choose this option, make sure that |
| portability. Number portability allows you to keep your | | | | you are not under contract with your current |
| cell phone number, even if you switch carriers. The | | | | provider or you could stand to face a hefty |
| implications of this are crucial for taking advantage of | | | | termination charge. |