I got my first cell phone through Voicestream (it was cheap). Unsurprisingly, I didn’t like the network much, so when I had a good excuse (work-related travel) about six months later, I switched. That was quite some time ago, and while I’ve changed plans a few times since then, I’ve never changed carriers.
Which isn’t to say there hasn’t been ample incentive to do so. I don’t travel nationally as much as I used to, and if you’re not using AT&T’s “One Rate” plan (which is still an excellent plan if you’re in a situation that calls for it), then there are other equally viable networks available.
But I’ve had this number a long time — it’s the number everyone (and I mean everyone) knows to contact me by and the contact number I give in any and all situations (especially since I don’t have to worry about solicitors using it). I have trouble remembering the phone number for our home line (which doesn’t even have long distance service attached — why bother?), but my cell number is burned in my brain, right next to my SSN (thanks to years of liberal arts college).
In short, while I may be unsatisfied with my current set up, I have no intention of even considering another carrier until the cellular companies finally go along with the government’s directive to make cellular phone numbers transferable between carriers in the same way that land lines are.
Guess I’ll have to keep on waiting.
