Wireless Local Number PortabilityWhat is wireless local number portability? The ability to transfer your wireless phone number from one carrier to another is called local number portability, or LNP. Often it is also referred to as WLNP, Wireless Local Number Portability. It means that you no longer have to get a NEW number when you change carriers if you stay within the same geographic area. You get to keep the same number. This is called porting your number. When does wireless local number portability begin? Now Available! Is wireless porting available everywhere in the United States? Yes! Now available in all states. Could I port my landline number to my wireless phone? Yes! You will be able to port landline (home phone) numbers to wireless carriers. This process may take longer than porting numbers between wireless carriers. From wireline to wireless: On average it will take 4 days or longer for the number to be active on your new phone. How long will it take to port my wireless phone number? Changing wireless carriers and taking your phone number with you will not happen instantly. Since one carrier doesn't own the process from start to finish, it's a complex undertaking. Carriers are relying on other carriers to successfully move or "port" your number. While the goal is to complete the porting process within a few hours, some switches are more complicated and will take longer to complete. As a result, it can affect your ability to receive calls. And the phone or features you've come to rely on may not always work during the porting process. To avoid any possible lapse in service. Order your new wireless phone from your carrier of choice with a phone number. Once you receive your working new phone, call your carrier of the number you want to port. Instruct them to port the number to your new phone. Will porting my number cause any problems with E911? We suggest that you tell your position to 911 operator as soon as you get connected because the operator might not be able to call you back if the call gets disconnected. During the time the number is being ported from the old carrier to the new carrier, there may be a period of "mixed service" when E911 service is affected. If customers call 911 during this period, the call should go through. However, the 911 operator may not be able to call consumers back if the call gets disconnected. Before porting either a wireless or a wireline number, consumers should ask their new service provider how long the porting process will take and how the porting process will affect emergency services. Can I port a disconnected number? No. The number must be active to be able to switch carriers.
If a consumer has a long-term contract with a carrier, is that consumer still obligated to pay an early termination fee even if he/she ports the phone number to a new carrier? Yes. While consumers who wish to switch carriers may request service from and port numbers to a new carrier at any time, they are still obligated to pay any early termination fees they may have under an existing contract, and they are obligated to pay any outstanding balance owed to the old carrier. Consumers interested in switching providers should review their existing contract to determine what fees or charges would apply. However, once a consumer has requested service from a new carrier, the old carrier may not delay or refuse to port a number even that individual owes money for an outstanding balance or termination fee. Can I still use the same device after I port my number? Chances are if you switch carriers, you'll probably need to switch devices. That's because wireless carriers use different technologies, and wireless devices are typically designed to be used on a particular carrier's network. Look for a carrier that offers a wide selection of wireless devices you find appealing. Can I cancel my original line? Do not terminate your existing service your number should be active to port in. Your new cellular carrier will do this when the porting process is finished and your new service is active. 10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW When You Want To PORT Your Number or Wireless Local Number Portability. |