HOW NUMBERS MAKE THEIR MOVES

Users lodge application with company they want to join; Company contacts central database and tells customer when transfer will take place; Switch is done either between 1am and 4am, or noon and 2pm; Coverage may fail while transfer takes place; Billing from new company starts when transfer ends; Phone number, prepaid SIM card number and numbers for voice-mail and short messages can all be transferred; Companies cannot charge users for leaving and taking numbers with them, but can charge when new customers bring an existing number; Old company sends customer a final bill or any refund due.