Changing Cell Phone Providers and Keeping The Same Number

Many customers want to switch their cell phone provider and keep the same phone number. This is not a problem at all anymore. In late 2003, wireless local number portability or WLNP was introduced. WLNP basically acknowledged customer's right to their phone number and gave them the option to take it wherever they go within their area code boundaries of course.

LowCostCells.com makes switching your phone number from one carrier to another extremely easy. All you have to do is, during checkout, look for the option to "bring your number from another carrier". Just follow the instructions which basically asks what that number is and from which carrier. Once you place your order, assuming there is no credit check issues, the computers of the new carrier communicate with the computers of the old carrier and automatically transfer your number.

Will my phone stop working before I get my new phone?
The date of "transfer" is usually set well in advance to make sure you have received your new phone before your existing wireless number transfers over to the new phone.

What happens to my existing carrier once my number transfers over?
As soon as your number is ported from the old carrier to the new, your old account is considered cancelled with the existing carrier. You can call them and make sure of this and ask for a final bill, which would include the last charges you incurred with that carrier.

Very Important
When switching cell phone carriers, if you want to keep your existing number, make sure to not cancel your existing account first. Cancelling your account before signing up for new service (and requesting your number to be brought over) will drop your phone number and you will lose that number.

In addition, if your contract has not expired with your existing provider and you sign up for a new phone and request your phone number to be ported to your new phone. Your existing carrier's contract will be considered broken and you will have to pay the termination fee. Make sure your contract has finished before porting your number.

Also, LowCostCells.com does not charge for this service. This service is provided free to our valuable customers.

Hopefully this post has explained and clarified how this process works. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post it in the comments.