Although wireless number portability has taken some of the sting out of switching carriers, there are still constraints with moving out of state and with landline home and office numbers tied to geographic regions.

Grand Central, a new service based out of California, provides you with one number that you can essentially ‘forward’ anywhere, keeping you in touch forever and ever with your friends, family, and associates. It also centralizes your voice-mail and e-mail functions. The interactive website provides some unique features, such as letting you record customized greetings for each caller, switch phones in mid-call, listen in on voicemail while a caller leaves a message, and block unwanted callers; it also offers lifetime voicemail storage, access to voicemail via web, phone, or e-mail, and call announcement and handling.

Currently in Beta testing, the service is available for free for a limited time. Various monthly plans available thereafter, with minute and feature options.