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> Then they're not required to allow you to port your number, and telecoms rarely do anything user-friendly-but-internally-costly that they're not legally requi

> Then they're not required to allow you to port your number, and telecoms rarely do anything user-friendly-but-internally-costly that they're not legally required to do. They're not required to do it, and they rarely let you do anything that isn't legally required? Something doesn't add up here, because telecoms letting you port your mobile number to another provider is the status quo. I can't remember the last I heard somebody complain that they weren't able to port their number when changing providers. I've done it four times myself, and each time it was painless.

tzs 4y ago
When he said "unless you move out of their service area" he should have said "unless you move to a different geographic area". Here is a summary of the rules [1] in the US. Key points from that page: • If you're switching service providers and remaining in the same geographic area, you can keep your existing phone number. This process – often referred to as phone number porting – can be done between wireline, IP and wireless providers. • If you are moving to a new geographic area, you may not be able to keep your current phone number when changing providers. • Also, some rural wireline service providers may obtain waivers for the porting requirement from state authorities. Their customers may be unable to port their number to a new provider. If you are unable to port your number for that reason, contact your state public utilities commission for further information. [1] https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/porting-keeping-your-phone-number-when-you-change-providers https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/porting-keeping-your-ph...
- Groxx 4y ago
  Where "geographic area" can mean "moved a block, no longer technically in the same municipal area", yes. I'll give you one guess why I know this. Yes, most cases port just fine. I've ported multiple times successfully too. But no, your number is not "yours". It's the telecom's, and they decide if you can keep it or not... and they have a history of choosing so poorly that they are now legally required to make a better choice most of the time. It really does not imply good things about trust in their future behavior.

tzs 4y ago

When he said "unless you move out of their service area" he should have said "unless you move to a different geographic area". Here is a summary of the rules [1] in the US. Key points from that page: • If you're switching service providers and remaining in the same geographic area, you can keep your existing phone number. This process – often referred to as phone number porting – can be done between wireline, IP and wireless providers. • If you are moving to a new geographic area, you may not be able to keep your current phone number when changing providers. • Also, some rural wireline service providers may obtain waivers for the porting requirement from state authorities. Their customers may be unable to port their number to a new provider. If you are unable to port your number for that reason, contact your state public utilities commission for further information. [1] https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/porting-keeping-your-phone-number-when-you-change-providers https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/porting-keeping-your-ph...

Groxx 4y ago
Where "geographic area" can mean "moved a block, no longer technically in the same municipal area", yes. I'll give you one guess why I know this. Yes, most cases port just fine. I've ported multiple times successfully too. But no, your number is not "yours". It's the telecom's, and they decide if you can keep it or not... and they have a history of choosing so poorly that they are now legally required to make a better choice most of the time. It really does not imply good things about trust in their future behavior.