This article is AT&T sponsored content written by Tiffani Anderson, a TechBuzz contributor. The statements in this article are her own and don’t necessarily represent the positions, strategies, or opinions of AT&T. Show
Once you’ve picked your new service provider, we recommend that you ask your new service provider to transfer your existing services on your behalf. (You don’t even need to talk to your current provider!Footnote 1) How does this work?
Keep your phone number when you switchMost importantly, do not cancel your service before you switch to the new provider.Tell your new phone provider that you want to keep your number. They will take care of the transfer for you – they’ll ask for some personal details to set up your account and ask you which services you want to keep, remove or change. You can keep your phone number…
You might need to get a new phone number…
You will definitely need to get a new phone number…
How long does it take to transfer my phone number?For mobile phones, it can take a few hours. For landline to mobile or mobile to landline, it typically takes up to 2 business days. You might also experience a disruption in service while it’s being transferred, including disruptions to 9-1-1 services. Contact your service provider for more details. What does it cost to transfer my services? How much are my mobile cancellation fees?You have to finalize any payments or resolve any issues with your current service provider before you cancel or transfer your services. Billing will stop as soon as your services are cancelled. If you have a contract, you may need to pay cancellation fees and any outstanding fees. If you have a mobile phone contract, your cancellations fees are calculated as follows: If you receive your phone or other device at a reduced upfront price (a "device subsidy"):
In all other cases:
Your contract explains how to calculate your early cancellation fee and the amount by which your early cancellation fee will decrease each month. If you don't know the exact fee you would pay to cancel today, contact your service provider. I just want to cancel my servicesIf you just want to cancel your services, typically you would phone, email or send regular mail to notify your existing service provider of the cancellation; check your contract to see if there is a specific way they want you to cancel. Your service provider must cancel your services right away (unless you specify a later cancellation date) – you don’t need to provide 30 days notice. If you’ve made it here you’re probably looking into switching carriers. Well, we’re going to try to answer all of your questions. We’ll cover what you need to do before you start the switch, and what you should do to make sure you can keep your number. Plus, some Visible-specific information, ya know—just in case you’re considering us as your new carrier. Before switchingThere are a couple of things you’ll need to get ready and/or remember before starting to switch. 1. The first one is really crucial: do not cancel your service with your current carrier before you’ve completed your number transfer. You won’t be able to keep your phone number if your line has been deactivated. 2. Collect all your account information. You’ll need things like your account number, billing information, any account PINs or passwords. Your new carrier will likely need some or all of this information to begin moving your number. 3. If you’re going to be using the same device, make sure it’s unlocked! You don’t want to go through all the steps to keep your number and move carriers only to find your device is locked to the old one. You might also need your IMEI number. Find that by “calling” *#06# on your device and making a note of it. Switching carrierAll ready with your info, device, and new carrier selected? Great. Whoever you’ve chosen, here’s how you’ll do it:
Coming to VisibleWe wanted to help you out regardless of where you’re going, but if you’re coming to us we’ve got some more specific guidance. Follow the video along with these step-by-step instructions to join the Visible squad, and we’ll be waiting to welcome you on the other end.
If you want to switch to Visible please don’t cancel service with your old provider until you activate service with Visible. Need more information on how to do that? See our article on How To Insert SIM Card and Activate Service for more information. FAQsCan I keep my cell number if I switch carriers? Yes! Of course. When changing carriers, just make sure you don’t cancel your existing service before you transfer your number. You should also check your contract for early termination fees and/or outstanding balances that you’ll need to consider when making your decision. Then follow all the steps above to make sure it’s a smooth process. You may request service from a different company at any time. When changing companies: Can I use my phone during porting to a new carrier? Yes, but with some considerations that may change depending on whether you’re changing devices. Best to confirm with your new carrier when you initiate the switch. How long does it take to switch? It should take at most 24 hours. It may be even quicker, because the wireless industry in combination with the FCC agreed on a goal of 2.5 hours or less. Will my current carrier allow me to switch to a new carrier? You’re allowed to request to switch at any time. Before you do that you should make sure your phone is compatible, and check your current contract for early termination fees, loan balances on any devices you have financed through your prior carrier, or other outstanding balances. How can I check if my number is eligible for transfer? You should be! However, there are few exceptions. The biggest one is if you are moving to a new geographic area. If that’s the case you may not be able to keep your number. In rare instances some rural wireline service providers have waivers so that they don’t have to meet porting requirements. If that applies to you, you can contact your state public utilities commission for further information. Will I lose service during the porting process? You shouldn’t, and it’s likely that for a short period your number may work on both carriers, but you should confirm this with your new carrier when you initiate the switch. |