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Why is everything so damn confusing?

Sherman901

Well-Known Member
Dec 8, 2009
110
19
I was under the assumption that even though I'm under a 2 year contract with my iPhone, once I go into RS to get my EVO and all that they'd be able to port my number over no problem while also cancelling my contract at the same time. I just called RS to double check everything and they said that's not possible and that AT&T owns my number so I'll have to get a completely new number. Last year when I tried out the Pre, they ported my number just fine even though I cancelled my contract a month early (unknowingly. I thought I was out of contract). Anyone have any other info on this?
 
thats 100% bs they dont own the number you do. there just not wanting to do the transfer for you. you have to pay the etf of course.

Do I have to pay the ETF before being able to port the number?

I'm not going to fight too hard to keep my current number, I just find it a little frustrating. I've been trying to get everyone to switch my number to my Google number anyway.

Also, is it possible to cancel my contract and pay the ETF but still have service until Friday?
 
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If someone at a RS store ever tells you something you know not to be true. Ask for the manager. And if they are not present make sure you get their name and leave them a message. I work in retail and some people are just lazy or doesn't care to help the customer to the fullest. Make sure you let the store manager know that this person treated you wrong. Plus that gives you leverage to ask for some discounts.
 
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Let me google that for you

And one of the first results, while a few years out of date, may apply to you.

AppleInsider | How to port 'ineligible' mobile numbers to AT&T and iPhone

Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but those results seem to point to problems porting numbers inbound TO AT&T, not out to another carrier.

Have you called AT&T to ask them? I remember a while back Nextel had "number guard" that you had to take off to allow porting. I would call AT&T and make sure the number is portable so you know before going to Radio Shack. As far as I know, almost any wireless and landline number is portable.

The right order for the smoothest transition would be, port the number, wait for the port to finalize (i.e. can make and receive calls with that number on new line, not just one-way), then call and cancel previous line of service.
 
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Well I'm just gonna be closing my line, not the account itself. Is it possible to just pay the ETF and cancel early but still keep the number or no?
Keeping Your Telephone Number When You Change Your Service Provider

So you understand your rights here. It is federal law that you are allowed to port from and to any carrier.

may not refuse to port your number, even if you owe money

Filing a Complaint with the FCC
If you have a problem porting your phone number from one service provider to another, first try to resolve it with the responsible provider. If you cannot resolve the problem directly, you can file a complaint with the FCC. There is no charge for filing a complaint. You can file your complaint using an FCC on-line complaint form found at esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm. You can also file your complaint with the FCC
 
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Keeping Your Telephone Number When You Change Your Service Provider

So you understand your rights here. It is federal law that you are allowed to port from and to any carrier.





Hope this helps.

Absolutely right. And porting should be done at the lastest within a few hours. Refusing to port is against regulations and is the one thing the FCC has handled efficiently. There really is no grounds for which a carrier can refuse to port.

Do not cancel your account first though. Otherwise, you may not be eligible to port the number. Porting definitely has to be done first.

Porting landline to wireless isn't as quick though. Same process, but I think they give the carriers days to do the porting instead of hours.
 
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I'd rather do it this way. How sure are you that this works?

EDIT: And doesn't cost extra.

It definitely works. When I recommend people switch to Sprint who aren't sure about coverage, I have them try the service with a temporary number, then port their old number over once they're sure. There isn't any cost associated with this, in my experience. It's very straighforward, and as previously discussed, usually very quick when porting from another mobile #.
 
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