# Switching cellphone providers, retaining number

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-cellphone-providers-retaining-number/132523>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 16, 2002, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-cellphone-providers-retaining-number/132523 "2002-10-16T15:42:31Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\
**Post date:** [October 16, 2002, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-cellphone-providers-retaining-number/132523/1 "2002-10-16T15:42:31Z")

</div>

I’ve been doing some research on cell phones, because I’m looking to get a new one with all the bells & whistles. While looking into what phones work with which providers and such (Motorola 123x works only with Sprint, etc), I noticed that there are some better service deals available. I’ve had my phone for almost 4 years and obviously would want to keep the same number. I remember awhile back, that some law was passed, (or perhaps being mulled over), that would allow people to retain their numbers, even if they switch providers. Anyhoo, I’m currently with AT&T wireless, and am mulling a switch to Sprint or someone else. Please spare me service horror stories, I’m only interested in the facts.

Thanks.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\
**Post date:** [October 16, 2002, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-cellphone-providers-retaining-number/132523/2 "2002-10-16T16:04:35Z")

</div>

You are not going to be able to retain your phone number. The laws are still in the mulling over stage in the US.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![gazpacho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/6f9a4e/32.png) [@gazpacho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gazpacho)\
**Post date:** [October 16, 2002, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-cellphone-providers-retaining-number/132523/3 "2002-10-16T16:09:56Z")

</div>

See the bottom question:

[http://www.cnet.com/wireless/0-5939519-8-20373393-1.html](http://www.cnet.com/wireless/0-5939519-8-20373393-1.html)

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\
**Post date:** [October 16, 2002, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switching-cellphone-providers-retaining-number/132523/4 "2002-10-16T17:01:28Z")

</div>

ugh, that answers it plain and simple. Now off to Pit to vent!

Thanks guys.