Answers to FAQs

Local Number Portability

1. What is local number portability?
2. When can I switch to Verizon Wireless and keep my number?
3. How do I know if my current number is eligible to be ported?
4. Should I cancel my existing service before porting?
5. Will I need a new phone?
6. How long will it take to port my number?
7. Will Verizon Wireless charge me any fees for porting my service?
8. What happens to calls while the port is being processed?
9. How will I know when the port in to Verizon Wireless is complete?
10. How do I join Verizon Wireless?
11. Are all service providers participating in local number portability?

1. What is local number portability?
   Local Number Portability is a government mandate that requires wireless and wireline service providers to allow customers with eligible phone numbers to retain their phone numbers when changing service providers.
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2. When can I switch to Verizon Wireless and keep my number?
   Starting November 24, 2003, you can bring your existing number from your current wireless or landline service provider to Verizon Wireless. This is called porting your number.
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3. How do I know if my current number is eligible to be ported?
   All phone numbers are assigned to a local geographic area. To port your number:
   
   
   - it must remain associated with the same local geographic area where it is currently assigned
   
   - the local geographic area with which your number is associated must be an area where Verizon Wireless currently provides service
   
   
   Initially, numbers that are assigned to local geographic areas outside the 100 largest markets may not be eligible to be ported.
   
   
   You are able to check your number's eligibility online, at any Verizon Wireless store, authorized agent location or by calling us at 1.800 2 JOIN IN.
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4. Should I cancel my existing service before porting?
   No. Your number must remain active. Canceling your service prior to porting will prevent you from keeping your number. Please note: You may be responsible to your old service provider for any contractual requirements and applicable charges, including an early termination fee, on your old account.
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5. Will I need a new phone?
   In order to enjoy all of Verizon Wireless' services, you may need a Verizon Wireless phone. In some cases, depending on your current service provider's network and your type of phone, you may be able to use your existing phone, but availability of services may vary.
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6. How long will it take to port my number?
   Wireless to wireless ports generally should take no more than three hours to one day, but could take longer. Landline to wireless ports generally should take no more than 4 days, but could take longer. Please note: Actual processing time may vary depending on the complexity of the port and your old service provider.
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7. Will Verizon Wireless charge me any fees for porting my service?
   Verizon Wireless does not charge a specific fee for porting numbers to or from our service. Unlike some wireless companies, we have not charged customers for the upfront costs of preparing for number portability before the mandate becomes effective. Important Note: If you port out from us, you will be responsible for any accrued charges, and any applicable early termination fee if you port out before the end of your minimum term.
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8. What happens to calls while the port is being processed?
   During the porting process, you should be able to make calls right away from your new Verizon Wireless phone, including calls to 911, but you will not be able to receive calls, including return calls from 911 personnel, on your Verizon Wireless phone until the port is complete.
   
   In addition, during the porting process, your ability to make and receive calls, including calls to and from 911, using your old phone may vary depending on your old service provider. As a result, you may want to consider maintaining access to both your old phone and your new wireless phone until the port is complete. Upon completion of the port, you will no longer have service under that number with your old service provider, and you'll be able to make and receive calls using your Verizon Wireless phone.
   
   If you are porting with your existing wireless phone, you should be able to make calls, including calls to 911, during the porting process, but you will not be able to receive any calls, including return calls from 911 personnel, on your wireless phone until the port is complete. Upon completion of the port, you'll be able to make and receive calls using your phone.
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9. How will I know when the port in to Verizon Wireless is complete?
   We will send a free text message to your phone notifying you that your new service is fully activated.
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10. How do I join Verizon Wireless?
    There are three easy ways to check whether you can switch to Verizon Wireless and keep your number. Simply:
    
    
    1. Use our online process by selecting this link Switch to Verizon Wireless Eligibility.
       OR
       
    2. Visit any Verizon Wireless Communications Store, authorized agent or retailer.
       OR
       
    3. Call 1.800.2.JOIN IN to speak with a customer service representative.

    When porting your number, you will be asked to provide the following information:**
    
    

    • Confirmation that you are the authorized contact on the account with your old service provider.
      
      
    • The name of your old service provider.
      
      
    • The account number of your old service as it appears on your bill.
      Note: If you are porting in person, please bring your most recent bill with you.
      
      
    • Your name and address as they appear on your bill.
      
      
    • The current, active phone number that you wish to keep when you port.
      
      
    • A telephone phone where you can be reached during the porting process.
      
      
    • Your Social Security number or, if a business, a tax identification number or other information that will be used to accurately identify you to your old service provider.
      
      
    • If you are porting a number associated with a wireless prepay account, you may be asked to provide additional information.
    
    **Providing incorrect information will delay the porting process because a customer service representative will need to contact you for the correct details.
    
    Note: Porting is a new service and wireless porting requirements are subject to ongoing governmental review. As a result, information may change.
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11. Are all service providers participating in local number portability?
    Some service providers have applied for a waiver from number portability which is a request for a delay or exemption from providing the ability to port numbers. If your current service provider is one such company, then unfortunately Verizon Wireless will not be able to port your number at this time.
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