Cell Phone Number Portability

Learn how to keep your cell phone number when you switch cellular carriers.

  Business Phone Service

Starting in November 2003, the FCC implemented the new Local Number Portability (LNP) rules. You are now able to take your phone number with you when you change cellular services. Switching services doesn’t mean switching numbers. Initially this service was available only in the 100 top metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) in the U.S., but carriers were given six months to make it available nationwide. By May 24, 2004, cell phone users across the country could switch numbers when they switched services.

Even though you can now switch your service and keep your number, you are still bound by any contracts you have signed. Most likely you will have to pay penalties for early termination. Your old carrier may charge a fee for porting your number; the fees are likely to vary, so check with your new provider prior to porting. However, your provider cannot hold your number hostage until you pay porting fees. You can still transfer the number to a new service even if you owe your previous carrier porting fees.

You also can transfer your wired phone number to your cell phone if you should decide to forego having a landline phone. This service will take a little longer to implement, so you will want to plan accordingly. Also, porting your landline number will change your long distance provider to your cell company; so you must plan for that as well

You can only port your number to a carrier that serves the same geographic area. For example, if your number is (619) 555-1111, you can’t switch to a carrier in the 313 area code and keep the same number. The new carrier must provide service in your area in order for you to keep the same number.

The FCC also recommends that you do the following when porting your number to a new carrier:

- Compare rates and coverage prior to switching (we might have never thought of that one).

- Review your contract. You should be aware of porting and cancellation fees.

- Don’t cancel your old service prior to signing up for your new one. This may cause you to lose your number.

- Contact your new carrier. Let the new carrier initiate the porting process.

-Bring a copy of your current phone bill to the new carrier to assist them when dealing with your old company.

Even though you can port your phone number, this doesn’t guarantee that you can keep your old phone. Chances are your old phone is incompatible with another carrier’s network, so you’ll have to purchase a new one. Your carrier will activate the new phone with your old number.