Here's what you need to know about the Unicel-Verizon switch

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Verizon Wireless, which acquired Rural Cellular Corporation (RCC) last year, launched network operations in northern Minnesota on January 25 in the market areas of RCC operating as Unicel.

The company, however, has not yet converted the Unicel billing system to Verizon Wireless. That conversion will take place on March 22.

Until then, some customers who have not elected to port their numbers to Verizon Wireless will need to take action before the conversion to assure the continuation of their wireless service.

The following questions and answers provide the information these customers need to know:

Do I need a new handset or device?

Already, Unicel customers’ devices are operating on the Verizon Wireless network. Customers who will only be using their device to make voice calls or send text messages do not need to take any action as their device will continue to work for these services after the billing conversion.

However, to assure their service is not interrupted, existing customers who use data services (such as picture messaging, email, Internet access or downloads of ringtones, music and games) will need new handsets or data cards before the March 22 billing conversion to Verizon Wireless takes place.

These customers will receive equipment offers from the company.

Data users need to order their new devices by March 10. Customers who use data services should go online to www.unicel.com, call a dedicated customer support team at 1-800-231-6323, or visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store or authorized agent by March 10 to order their new devices and ensure they receive them by March 22.

What if I want to change to Verizon Wireless price plans and service now?

Customers can elect to “port” their current numbers to new Verizon Wireless price plans and service. They will need to choose a new Verizon Wireless calling plan and sign a new contract with Verizon Wireless.

What happens to my current contract and price plan at the billing conversion?

The terms of customers’ current contracts remain in place after the billing conversion.

The majority of customers will be able to stay on their existing calling plans. Their current contracts will remain in effect and will not automatically be extended beyond the current expiration dates.

Authorized Verizon Wireless retailers in the Alexandria area include:

•Verizon Wireless Communications Store, 505 N. Nokomis St., (320) 759-0765.

•Design Electronics, 2715 Highway 29 South (Midway Mall), (320) 759-5700.

Consumers can also go to www.verizonwireless

.com and click on “Store Locator” to find all store locations in Minnesota.

Tags: business, unicel, verizon, switch