Switching Your Existing Phone Number To Your New Wireless Phone and Plan

Take your number to a better place! It is now possible to switch between U.S. cell phone providers and keep your phone number. This process is called Wireless Number Portability.

1. How can I switch my existing number to a new wireless phone?
2. When should I cancel my current service?
3. How can I ensure the port process is successful?
4. What carriers participate in the number portability program?
5. Can I transfer my home phone number to my cell phone?
6. What if I have a contract with my current wireless carrier?
7 How long will the transfer take?

Q: How can I switch my existing number to a new wireless phone?
A: Switching your existing wireless number to a new device has never been easier. Simply follow the steps we have outlined below:

STEP 1: Place your order for a new wireless phone and service

You will be asked if you wish to port your existing number on the order form in the shopping cart. You will need to provide the number you want ported, the current carrier, and your account password. This information can be found on your old wireless bill, or by dialing 611 from your wireless phone.
Your order will be submitted for approval by your new carrier. After it is approved, we will schedule your phone to be activated and your number to be ported. In the rare event that your number cannot be ported, we will contact you with alternative options for activating service. You should receive your new phone prior to port completion so that service is not disrupted with your old service provider.

STEP 2: Receive Your New Phone

Ensure your new phone is active and the number you have ported over is functioning properly.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT CANCEL SERVICE WITH YOUR CURRENT PROVIDER UNTIL AFTER YOUR WIRELESS PHONE NUMBER HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY PORTED TO YOUR NEW PROVIDER. IF YOU CANCEL SERVICE WITH YOUR CURRENT PROVIDER BEFORE SUCCESSFULLY PORTING YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO YOUR NEW PROVIDER, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR PHONE NUMBER .

STEP 3: Cancel Your Old Account

After your phone number is ported, you will no longer be able to use your phone number with your old service provider. You must contact your old service provider to cancel service. You will be responsible for payment of all outstanding charges including any fees that may be assessed by your old service provider for canceling service.

Q: When should I cancel my current service?
A: You should sign up with your new wireless carrier and complete the number porting process BEFORE canceling your current service. Canceling your current service before the porting process is complete will cause you to lose the ability to keep your current phone number.

Q: How can I ensure the porting process is successful?
A: If the information you provide exactly matches the information in your old carrier account, then your port should go smoothly with no delays. When you place your order, make sure that your wireless phone number, account number, account password, and name are accurate.

Q: What carriers participate in the number portability program?
A: The following carriers will allow numbers to be ported:

Cellular One
Cingular Wireless
Sprint
Edge Wireless
Einstein PCS
Nextel
NTELOS
SunCom
SureWest Wireless
T-Mobile
US Cellular
Verizon

Q: Can I transfer my home phone number to my cell phone?
A: Yes. You can transfer your home or office phone number to your cell phone, as long as the wireless carrier you switch to provides coverage in the location of your conventional phone line -- also called a landline or wireline. Under FCC rules, local phone companies are allowed up to four business days to transfer a phone number between carriers so you may have to go several days without cell phone service if you make such a switch.

Q: What if I have a contract with my current wireless carrier?
A: If you have a contract with your current carrier, you are required to honor the full term of your current contract or you will be charged the termination fee that is specified in your subscriber agreement.

Q: How long will the transfer take?
A: FCC guidelines state that the porting process should be completed within 2 hours of scheduling. However, some actual times may vary based on the carrier. Wireless to Wireless porting will take a minimum of three hours while Landline (home phone) to Wireless porting will take a minimum of three days.