What to Know About Porting Your Phone Number

Are you planning to switch your phone provider? If so, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep your number.

Once you receive your new phone, you probably have a new look, several features, and new wireless providers. However, you don’t want to have to get a new phone number in most cases, especially when you have such a long history with your former one. 

There is some good news. You have the option to change providers, have your device upgraded, and hold on to the number you have. Keep reading to learn more about number porting for your phone.  

Porting Defined

Porting a phone number means you are transferring your existing service from one provider to a different one. You have a right, as a consumer, to do this, thanks to the Wireless Local Number Portability or WLNP. When you port your number, it will be a permanent change. Most people who do this are concluding their service with their past provider.

Important Information about Porting Your Current Number

While this process is pretty straightforward, there several things to know about porting a number. One is that you need to be in the same geographic area. Also, your existing carrier doesn’t have the right to keep you from taking your number with you and putting it on a new phone. You must also be the main account holder to authorize the porting process.

Transferring Your Phone Number

Before you take steps to move your phone service to a different provider, you need to make sure the current service remains active. You can’t port your phone number if you have canceled your number. Instead, it will return to the pool and may be taken by someone else.

It’s a good idea to contact the new provider and keep your account information on hand. This includes your name, address, and the account number located on your billing statement. Having the IMEI number from your device is also a good idea as this is sometimes needed.

From this point, your new phone provider should be able to handle the process. They will contact the former provider and start the porting process for you.

As you can see, porting your number is possible. It will simplify your life and make sure all your contacts still have the number needed to reach you. Keep this in mind to help ensure that you port your number and enjoy the benefits that go with this.