What’s the First Step?

The first thing you need to do is get in contact with the wireless company you are currently using like Verizon or Sprint. They will be responsible for everything associated with the port request (Really? Yes! You don’t really need to do much). In order for a valid request to be made, you will need to show them a recent landline bill which has your current and correct personal information which is good, or anyone could put in a request for the White House’s landline number to go to their cell phone. This information will be used to help both providers verify your identity so that a port request can be put through.

Another stipulation is that the number being ported must be within the same local area as the new provider. For example, you cannot transfer a landline number from California to a cell phone company in Texas. Keep in mind that once the landline number has been ported over, you will lose your current cell phone number.

If you want to keep the cell phone number as well, you will need to open a new cell phone line with your wireless service for the transfer of the landline number. At this point, you need to decide if it’s cheaper to just keep the landline on a minimal use plan or get a new cell phone with a new number. Sometimes it’s still cheaper to transfer to a cell phone if you can add a new phone under a family plan model.

How Long Does the Transfer Take?

While the transfer of cell phone numbers can happen within a matter of hours, the transfer of a landline number to a mobile phone can take several days. Your wireless company will be able to provide you a better estimate on the length of time for your particular port request, but at most it’s 10-14 days with 3-4 business days a more likely estimate. During the porting process, you may not be able to receive telephone calls so be sure that you have a backup communication system in place if necessary.

Continued Reading: How to move a landline number to a cell phone carrier Part 3.