Keeping your old number and porting it to a new service?

According to the FCC, the U.S. has seen more than 540 million phone numbers ported (PDF) since wireless porting started in 2003. Today, more than 230 million phone numbers are in a ported state. This article is a comprehensive look at porting phone numbers; everything you need to know.

What Is Porting a Phone Number?

You can keep your old phone number or get a new one when you change your phone service. If you decide to keep your old number, you need to port it over to the new service. Porting a phone number is transferring your phone number from one carrier to another.

Why Port Your Phone Number?

There are several reasons why you might want to port your phone number. Perhaps you’re moving to a new area and want to keep your old number so that friends and family can easily reach you. Or maybe you’re unhappy with your current carrier and want to switch to a better one. Whatever the reason, it’s usually relatively easy to port your number.

Is Your Phone Number Portable?

In most cases, you should be able to port your phone number. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, if you have a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone service, you might not be able to port your number. Additionally, some telephone numbers, such as those assigned to pagers and fax machines, cannot be ported.

 

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Benefits of Porting a Phone Number

There are several benefits to porting your phone number:

Easier for friends and family to reach you

If you’ve had the same phone number for a long time, many of your friends and family know it by heart. If you port your number to a new carrier, you can keep the same phone number and avoid the hassle of having to update everyone in your address book.

Keep your history

When you port your phone number, you also carry over your call history and text messages. This can be useful if you need to reference old conversations or if you want to keep a record of your past communications.

Things to Do Before Porting Your Phone Number

Before you port your phone number, there are a few things you need to do:

• Make sure you’re eligible: As we mentioned before, not all phone numbers are portable. Make sure your phone number is eligible for porting by contacting your current carrier and the carrier you want to switch to.
• Get a new SIM card: Once you’ve confirmed that your number is eligible for porting, you’ll need to get a new SIM card from the carrier you’re switching to.
• Have your account information ready: When you begin the porting process, you’ll need to provide some account information, such as your account number and PIN. To make things go more smoothly, have this information ready before you start the porting process.

How to Port a Phone Number

Porting your phone number is usually a fairly straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Contact your current carrier: The first step is to contact your current carrier and inform them that you want to port your number.
2. Contact the new carrier: Next, you’ll need to contact the new carrier and let them know that you want to port your number. The carrier will likely have some forms for you to fill out.
3. Wait for the porting process to complete: Once you’ve submitted the necessary paperwork, the porting process will begin. In most cases, the process takes about two weeks to complete. However, it can sometimes take longer.
4. Activate your new SIM card: Once your number has been successfully ported, you’ll need to activate your new SIM card. To do this, insert the SIM card into your phone and follow the prompts.

How Long Does Porting a Phone Number Take?

In most cases, porting a phone number takes about two weeks to complete. However, it’s important to note that the process can take shorter or longer. Additionally, there may be some downtime during the porting process. For example, you might not be able to use your phone for a day while the port is in progress.

What Happens to a Number after It Is Ported?

Once a phone number is ported, it remains the property of the new carrier. The old carrier no longer has any association with the number and cannot make any changes to it.

Downtime and Service Disruption During the Porting Process

As we mentioned, there may be some downtime during the porting process. For example, you might not be able to use your phone for a day or two while the port is in progress. Additionally, you may experience some service disruptions during the porting process. For example, you might not be able to receive calls or texts during this time. However, these disruptions are typically short-lived and should resolve themselves once the port is complete.

Common Reasons for Number Port Rejection

Here are a few common reasons why a number port might be rejected:

• Incorrect account information: When you begin the porting process, you’ll need to provide account information, such as your account number and PIN. If any of this information is incorrect, the port may be rejected.
• Outstanding balance: The port may be rejected if you have an outstanding balance with your current carrier. Make sure to pay any outstanding balances before beginning the porting process.
• Active contract: The port may be rejected if you’re currently under contract with your carrier. In most cases, you must wait until your contract has expired before you can port your number.
• Lifeline service: The port may be rejected if you’re currently enrolled in a Lifeline service. In most cases, you must cancel your Lifeline service before you can port your number.

Porting Phone Numbers: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is porting?

A: Porting is the process of transferring a phone number from one carrier to another.

Q: Is my phone number portable?

A: In most cases, yes. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, you might not be able to port your number if you’re currently under contract with your carrier.

Q: How long does it take to port a phone number?

A: It takes about two weeks to port a phone number in most cases. However, the process can sometimes take longer.

Q: What happens to my number after it’s been ported?

A: Once your number has been successfully ported, it remains the property of the new carrier. The old carrier no longer has any association with the number and cannot make any changes to it.

Q: Will I experience any downtime during the porting process?

A: Yes, there may be some downtime during the porting process. For example, you might not be able to use your phone for a day or two while the port is in progress. Additionally, you may experience some service disruptions during the porting process. However, these disruptions are typically short-lived and should resolve themselves once the port is complete.

Q: Why was my number port rejected?

A: There are a few common reasons why a number port might be rejected. For example, the port may be rejected if you have an outstanding balance with your current carrier or are currently under contract with your carrier.

Q: I’m moving to a new area. Can I port my number?

A: Yes, you can port your number when you move to a new area.

Q: Can I port my business phone number?

A: Yes, you can port your business phone number in most cases. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, you might not be able to port your number if you have an outstanding balance with your current carrier or if you’re currently under contract with your carrier.

 

Contact our Expert Mashers to learn more about how you can port phone numbers effectively.

 

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