When switching from Nextel to Boost Mobile, you can keep your old phone number.
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Cell phone carriers are always offering customers better plans, better pricing and better service. But people are often slow to change carriers because they do not want to have to change their cell phone number. The Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, has made that problem disappear by requiring cell phone providers to allow you to keep your number even if you change service providers. If you switch from Nextel to Boost Mobile, you do not have to get a new phone number.
Information Needed
According to Boost Mobile's website, you may take your phone number with you when changing carriers, but you will need several pieces of information so Boost can properly port, or transfer, your number. Boost will need your Nextel phone number and account number, the PIN or password that is associated with your Nextel account, your name and address as it appears on the account and your Social Security number. You can submit the information either online through Boost's website or in person at a Boost Mobile store.
Process
Once you have supplied Boost Mobile with the information required, they will handle actually porting, or transferring, your cell phone number. Your phone number should transfer within 24 hours. Once your new phone is working, your old phone will no longer function. Porting your phone number should automatically cancel your Nextel account, but you should still call Nextel once the number has been ported to double check that your account is no longer active. Do not cancel your Nextel service before your new phone is working.
Associated Costs
The FCC mandates that all wireless companies comply with any port requests, even if you owe your current phone company money. If you have unpaid Nextel charges, Nextel cannot refuse to port your phone number with Boost Mobile, but the company can attempt to collect the debt. Nextel can also charge you any fees if you are terminating your contract early. The FCC also allows cell phone companies to charge fees to recover any costs that are incurred while porting your phone number. As of June 2011, Boost Mobile does not charge a porting fee.
Keeping Your Phone
When switching from Nextel to Boost Mobile, you may be able to keep the same phone as well as the same phone number. Most phones that are manufactured by or for Nextel will work with Boost Mobile service. You will need to purchase a Boost Starter Kit, which comes with a Boost SIM card. The Nextel SIM cards in the Nextel phones will not work with Boost service. There may be some features of your Nextel phone that will not work with the Boost SIM card.
References
Photo Credits
- Polka Dot RF/Polka Dot/Getty Images
