What Is a Ported Cell Number?
Local Number Portability, or porting, is a process that lets users keep their existing cellular phone number, even if they change cellular providers. Cellular providers that sell contract based phones are required to offer number portability. This process can be done at the time of purchase of the new cell phone, usually over a computer.
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Significance
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Porting was created to ensure that customers would not be locked in to a certain cellular carrier just to keep their cell number.
Time Frame
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It takes between 8 and 72 hours to properly port a phone number from one carrier to another, if the provider uses a computer. If the provider does not, the paper process can take up to two weeks.
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Requesting a Port
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A request to port the cell number must be made before service with the provider that holds the number is canceled.
Canceling Service
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Porting a number immediately cancels the line of service with the existing provider. This cancel may result in termination fees, depending upon the carrier and status of the contract.
Requirements
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To port a number, consumers will need to provide proof of ownership of the number. This includes a photo ID and a copy of a bill from the existing provider.
Expert Insight
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As long as the existing service is active, consumers can request a port even after they've received a phone number from the new provider. This will result in temporary service interruption.
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