Wireless Local Number Portability

You can switch your cell phone company without getting a new phone number.

Local Number portability is a government-mandated program that allows customers to take their telephone numbers with them if they choose to switch carriers. There are three types of portability. wireline to wireless (e.g. transferring your home phone to your cell phone or vice versa), wireless to wireless, and wireline to wireline.

Beginning in November 2003, consumers were able to switch their wireless service provider without changing their telephone number as a result of a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandate, and by May 2004 LNP became a reality nationwide.

If you're frustrated with their service but wary of the disruption that comes with changing numbers, no worry any more. You don't have to give out a new phone number again.

What do you need to do to switch to a new carrier?

Wireless-to-Wireless Transfers
After the LNP rules have been implemented in your area, contact the carrier you’d like to be switched to. The new carrier will start the process of switching your service by contacting your current carrier. DO NOT cancel 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. Requesting a number transfer to a new carrier should automatically cancel your previous service, once the transfer is complete.

Wireline-to-Wireless Transfers
After the LNP rules have been implemented in your area, check with your wireline provider to find out what rate center you live in. A “rate center” is the industry term for the local calling area for wireline calls. Once you know your rate center, contact the wireless provider you’d like to switch to and ask if a number transfer is possible. Transfers can be made to any wireless provider whose coverage area overlaps where your wireline number is provided.

Wireless-to-Wireline Transfers
After the LNP rules have been implemented in your area, contact your wireline provider. If a number transfer is possible, your wireline provider will start the process of switching your service by contacting your current wireless carrier.

You may need to buy a new phone with a new carrier.

Most people switching wireless carriers will need a new phone that is compatible with the cellular technology of the new carrier. Many carriers will provide new phones at a discount or, in some cases, free of charge.

How long jodes it take to switch to a new carrier?

Wireless-to-Wireless Transfers
In general, it could take from a few hours to a day to switch customers from one wireless carrier to another.

Wireline-to-Wireless/Wireless-to-Wireline Transfers
It is expected to take several business days to complete the transfer between wireline and wireless carriers.