History

• Cell phones evolved from two-way radios to the devices of today. Whether compact or standard size, cell phones are manufactured to provide convenience and make calling on the go easy and accessible to everyone. Although launched as far back as the 1950s as a commercial item, cell phones did not become popular until the 1979 launch of the cellular by NET in Tokyo, Japan. With increased marketing, cell phone usage continues to grow.
  
  

Geography

• It is not necessary to change your cell phone number if you relocate to a new city within your state. For example, if you live in Los Angeles, California and have a 323 area code and then relocate to Van Nuys, California where the local area code is 818, it is not necessary to change your cell phone number. Unlike a land line, a cell phone is not restricted to a specific area code. You can move from one area code to the next while maintaining the same cell phone number and area code. Your service will not be affected nor will your callers experience additional fees or charges. Using the previous example, Caller A can keep his 323 number and still operate his cell phone and receive incoming calls. Even if Caller A lives out the rest of his days in Van Nuys, he would never need to change the cell phone number. If you move out of state, callers will be subject to long distance fees, if applicable, based on their phone plan.
  
  

Considerations

• If you change mobile carriers and want to transfer your cell phone number, you may do so free of charge with many national phone companies. At sign up, request that the old number be transferred to the new account. Because the service is common, most telephone companies will advertise the service as part of its service roster. In some cases, land line numbers can be transferred to a cell phone account and allowed to function as the new number for that cell phone. This service will permit you to retain you cell phone number without an extended interruption of service.
  
  

Potential

• Cell phone numbers are not publicly listed or made available through public phone directories, such as the White Pages. If you want to learn more about a cell phone number or track the owner and find carrier details, use an online tracking site like Intelius or Abika. For less than a dollar you can receive a Phone Reverse Report for cell phone and public and private numbers. In the report, you will receive the owner's name, average income and home value, if applicable.
  
  

Warning

• Police can subpoena cell phone records and use the information to track the owner's location at specific times during the day. Also, there are hundreds of Internet sites that offer cell phone reversal services. In addition to helping subscribers find your cell phone number, many companies also provide personal information, such as your address, cell phone records and usage details. Contact your cell phone carrier to learn how your information is being protected.