This is from the SOE Knowledge base
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Players who have characters left on one of the closed servers can request to have them moved to one of the open servers by filing a request with Customer Service. (either from in-game or http://support.station.sony.com/petition) When filing the request, please make sure that the following information is available:
Account name
Character name and server they are currently located on
Desired server to transfer to
Alternate name should one be needed (optional)
Upon receiving your request, Customer Service will review the information you've provided, and contact you to set up and approve billing for the transfer; once approved, we'll process the transfer as quickly as possible.
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http://help.station.sony.com/cgi-bin/soe.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=23103 For the most part I think it is still free but don't quote me on that.