NEW YORK, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- More than half of U.S. cell phone users who switched companies after number portability rules took effect ended up getting a new number, a report said.
Over 50 percent of U.S. wireless customers changing providers did not keep their old phone number to avoid "wireless hell" -- switching delays, electronic bugs and double billing, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.
An analyst said only 25 percent of switchers retained their old number, with most opting not to bother with the hassles of transferring their current number.
About 1 million cell phone numbers switched to new phones between Nov. 24 --when new federal number portability rules went to into effect in the 100 largest cities -- and Jan. 12.
The Journal said several million people requested the same cell phone number on the first day the Federal Communications Commission mandated number portability.
The average cell phone user upgrades to a new phone every 18 to 24 months, but millions of wireless phones lie around gathering dust.
