How to Transfer a Cell Phone Number to a New Carrier

By Larry Parr

Transfering your current cell phone number to a different local carrier is an extremely simple matter.
i cell phone image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com

Previously, when you switched cell-phone carriers, you lost your number and had to start over with a completely different number. That has changed. Today, it is simple to transfer your current phone number to a new carrier, allowing you to keep the same number for a lifetime--as long as you stay within the same town or city. The process for transferring your number to a new carrier is extremely simple.

Contact your new carrier, and let the representative know that you want to transfer (or port, in telephone company lingo) your existing phone number with a different carrier to its service.

Show your new carrier a copy of a recent telephone bill from your previous carrier that reflects your correct name and address, and provide the new carrier with a photo ID so it can verify your identity. At the same time, request that the new carrier port your existing phone number from your previous carrier to your new carrier. Your new carrier will then contact your previous carrier and request that your number be ported--the previous carrier cannot refuse.

Pay any fees associated with the porting process. Some carriers charge a small fee to port a phone number; others do not. Ask if the fees can be waived, as some carriers who do charge fees will forgo the fee if asked. Companies cannot refuse to port a number even if you fail to pay the porting fee.

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