New phone, who is it? How to know about porting phone number and transfer service

When you finally get your hands on your new phone, you get a new look, features and even a new wireless provider. However, the last thing you want is a new phone number, especially when you have a lot of history with your old one.

The good news? You can change providers, upgrade your device, and keep the mobile number you know and like. We will unlock the secrets that port your number and you can do it in all ways without error.

What is Porting?

"Porting" the phone number means transferring an existing service from one provider to another. Thanks to a federal regulation called Wireless Local Number Portability (WLNP), it's actually your right as a consumer.

Porting your phone number is usually a permanent change, as customers usually end up with an older provider.

Things to know before porting your phone number

If the process is simple, here are a few things you need to know about porting your mobile phone number before making the switch:

• You must be in the same geographical area. Otherwise, the port decision is at the provider's discretion.
• Your current carrier will not prevent your number from moving to a new one. Even if you pay the backlog closing fee. The new carrier may refuse service, but this is rare with most large mobile providers.
• You must be the primary client to authorize the number port. While the idea of ​​porting seems a bit simple, it is not for anyone. Your current provider will ask you to take some security measures to accommodate the request.
• You can port numbers between wireline, IP and wireless providers, but only for the new line. The numbers assigned to the prepaid account can be ported as long as the service is active at the time of the transfer request.

How to transfer your phone number

Before taking action to transfer your phone service to a new provider, keep the existing service active. When you have already canceled, you will not be able to port your current phone number and your number will go back to the pool for the general public.

Contact a new provider and have all your account information, including your account number, on your name, address and billing details. Even if you need it, it is better to have your device's IMEI number.

From here, your new provider should do all the heavy lifting. They will contact your old provider and start the porting process on your behalf. After starting the service with your new provider, your old plan will automatically deactivate, but it is not a bad idea to contact your old provider to make sure your old account is out of balance.

Frequently asked questions about porting your mobile phone number

How long does the porting take?

According to the FCC, your port should be completed within a working day, unless your port has just one line and equipment adjustments. More complex transfers, such as wireless service from wireline, may take several days.

Does it cost money to port my number?

The fees associated with your port will depend on your provider and whether you can opt out of the collectable contract. If you are unsure, talk to your current provider about your terms and conditions before requesting a transfer to a new carrier. You can waive the fee or negotiate.

Am I experiencing service issues while porting?

When transferring from wireline to wireless service, it may be time for both your old and new device to work with the same number. The wireline-to-wireless port may take several days. Before transferring, ask your new wireless provider how long the port will take and how emergency service
calls will be affected.

Do all providers port their number at my request?

As long as you live in the same geographical area, you have the right to request number ports between providers. If you are moving to a new location and providers, you cannot keep your current number. Some rural wireline providers may seek exemptions from state authorities that can stop customers from porting to the new higher carrier.

Will my voicemail, applications and contact information be transferred to my new phone with porting?

In the porting process, your service can only be transferred from one provider to another. All other personal information, including voice mail, apps, contacts, text messages and photos, is required to transfer data between your old and new devices.