What Is Verizon Phone Porting?

by Max Power
Cell phone number porting allows a cell phone user to keep his phone number when transferring his service to Verizon.

Cell phone number porting allows a cell phone user to keep his phone number when transferring his service to Verizon.

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Since November 23, 2003, new Verizon Wireless customers have been granted access to Verizon phone porting. The Verizon porting services allow incoming customers to bring their old phone number with them when opening a new Verizon account. The new Verizon phone assumes the old number. Because of this service, customers change cellular carriers without the need to change phone numbers.

Restrictions

Several contingencies determine eligibility for the porting service. The incoming number must originate from the same geographic area associated with the new Verizon activation. Verizon also states that the old cellular service must remain active during the porting process. Verizon provides an online web portal through which a potential customer may enter his number and determine his eligibility.

The Process

According to Verizon, the porting process should take no more than one day’s time. And, it could occur in as little as three hours. During this time period, outgoing calls can be made with the new Verizon phone. However, until the port goes through, incoming calls will not reach the customer on his new phone. Verizon advises new customers to maintain access to both the old and new phones until the port resolves.

Fees

Verizon does not charge a fee for porting an incoming number.

Penalties

The cellular user should review his contractual commitment to his previous cellular provider before he attempts to port his number. Cellular companies may enforce an early termination fee against the customer if his old number is ported prior to the expiration of the his contract. Even though the customer's old cellular service contract has not expired, he may transfer the number penalty-free if the old carrier changes its terms and the customer has not yet accepted the change. An Internet search should inform the customer if this is a possibility.

Google Voice Porting for Verizon Numbers

As of January 2011, Verizon users can port their Verizon number to the Google Voice service. Google Voice integrates with Verizon Android phones and allows the Google Voice number to appear on caller ID when the Verizon customer places an outgoing call.

About the Author

Max Power started writing in 1996. Power was responsible for providing coverage of local and state governmental affairs for a web-boom-era news and civic-affairs news website. This experience provided him with a range of in-depth knowledge about legal, civic, political and governmental affairs. Power holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in history.

Photo Credits

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