Why would CellOne want to change my phone #?

[NokiaKrazy]

Recently found out that within the next 5 months I'm going to have to change my phone number. Apparently CellularOne here in Utah is wanting to dissolve with their exchange of "691" in the 435 area code. This 691 exchange is a toll free # from anywhere in the 435 area code. They said that somehow college students are abusing this service and CellOne is getting the long distance bill for this.

I suggested that if they were wanting to do away with this, would it not make sense to "grandfather" me and others who are on this number. Just don't give any more of these numbers out to new subscribers. Apprently, they are wanting to dissolve the entire prefix and require me to change my cell #.

I find myself wondering if this would void my contact with Cell One and if so, maybe Verizon will be seeing me as a customer?

Only time will tell.

[BillRadio]

I have seen this happen, but not with cellular prefixes. If indeed your calling abilities will be reduced, I would say you have a case to either demand restitution from C-1, or be able to switch to another carrier. I would never worry about the penalty, the worst they can do is note it in your credit file, and you can counter that with a note of your own.

But even more important, don't cut off your nose to spite your face. In many of the areas of UT, C-1 has the best coverage. If the change comes, I would press hard for concessions. They may not do anything, they are a company bleeding cash and losing customers, and may have no flexibility, even if it means losing more customers.

If they have to eventually sell out, things will probably get better, but there are few buyers on the horizon. Company execs are buying up a lot of the stock themselves telling me they either expect things to turn around, or a sale is near.

-Bill