# Would someone walk me through the sequence of events re getting a new cell phone? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 13, 2014, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542 "2014-11-13T17:05:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/1 "2014-11-13T17:05:56Z")
The desired objectives: 1. I wind up with a new cell phone, a BlackBerry Q10 (this will be my fourth BlackBerry–I like them–not interested in another brand). 2. I wind up with a new carrier, AT&T. I"m currently with Sprint and have been with them for about 16 years. In my new house, I’m in roaming in my own living room, plus at work I’m in a Sprint Dead Zone. I have internet through AT&T at home, so I want to switch to AT&T. 3. I keep the same phone number. Complications: The physical phone is “out of stock” on the AT&T web site as well as out of stock at all the stores in the city where I live. I think they just sent them all back to the electronics warehouse next to where Indy’s Ark wound up. However, the Q10 is available with AT&T on amazon. I’m fine with a 2-year contract and the phone is $49, just as it would be through the AT&T website if it were “in stock.” What is the appropriate sequence of events to ensure that I achieve my three objectives, especially keeping the same phone number? At what point do I call Sprint and tell them it’s been nice, but it’s all over between us (you can keep the silver and that stuffed panda we got at Disney World.) If I cancel Sprint by making a phone call on my current phone, then does it become inactive? How do I call AT&T to activate? Or should I call Sprint and cancel and then physically take the phone I got from amazon to an AT&T store and have them activate it in person? Or get on the AT&T website and do a “chat window” thing with one of their reps. I don’t have a land line anymore, so if my phone is deactivated, I don’t have a phone to call from (or possibly a pot to pee in.) I get hung up on details like this. Please take me by the hand and lead me out of this labyrinth. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/2 "2014-11-13T17:09:36Z")
If you are getting it from Amazon with a 2-year contract, wouldn’t you just activate it and port the number with them? At least that’s what I get from the fact that they are offering the contract. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/3 "2014-11-13T17:19:06Z")
> [@Kimballkid](#): > > If you are getting it from Amazon with a 2-year contract, wouldn’t you just activate it and **port the number with them**? At least that’s what I get from the fact that they are offering the contract. What does “port the number” mean? Pretend you’re talking to a two-year old. If it means, transfer the phone number to a new AT&T wireless account, then yeah, I guess that’s what happens. Do I have to contact Sprint at any point? After all these years, I’m not on any contract with them. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/4 "2014-11-13T17:24:59Z")
Yes, port the number means transferring it to the new phone. You should not have to contact Sprint at any point in the process as they will get the picture when AT&T contacts them (or whatever they do) to port the number. You will probably get a final bill from Sprint though. You will probably get many, many solicitations from Sprint after you switch though. ---
**Author:** ![DingoelGringo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9d8465/32.png) [@DingoelGringo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DingoelGringo)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/5 "2014-11-13T17:29:22Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > The desired objectives: > > 1. I wind up with a new cell phone, a BlackBerry Q10 (this will be my fourth BlackBerry–I like them–not interested in another brand). > 2. I wind up with a new carrier, AT&T. I"m currently with Sprint and have been with them for about 16 years. In my new house, I’m in roaming in my own living room, plus at work I’m in a Sprint Dead Zone. I have internet through AT&T at home, so I want to switch to AT&T. > 3. I keep the same phone number. > > Complications: > The physical phone is “out of stock” on the AT&T web site as well as out of stock at all the stores in the city where I live. I think they just sent them all back to the electronics warehouse next to where Indy’s Ark wound up. > > However, the Q10 is available with AT&T on amazon. I’m fine with a 2-year contract and the phone is $49, just as it would be through the AT&T website if it were “in stock.” > > What is the appropriate sequence of events to ensure that I achieve my three objectives, especially keeping the same phone number? > > At what point do I call Sprint and tell them it’s been nice, but it’s all over between us (you can keep the silver and that stuffed panda we got at Disney World.) If I cancel Sprint by making a phone call on my current phone, then does it become inactive? How do I call AT&T to activate? Or should I call Sprint and cancel and then physically take the phone I got from amazon to an AT&T store and have them activate it in person? Or get on the AT&T website and do a “chat window” thing with one of their reps. I don’t have a land line anymore, so if my phone is deactivated, I don’t have a phone to call from (or possibly a pot to pee in.) > > I get hung up on details like this. Please take me by the hand and lead me out of this labyrinth. Thank you. You sound like a 13 year old girl. Take your daddy by the hand and have him do it for you. ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/6 "2014-11-13T17:30:42Z")
After you transfer the number, you will need to personally contact Sprint to cancel your account there. Don’t just assume that ATT has it handled. You will probably still owe Sprint some money and you’ll need to settle that. My advice would be to wait until after thanksgiving for the big holiday sales to kick in. Then go to a local ATT store and ask them what kind of deal you can get on their current Blackberry line. Take the print out from Amazon to show them what you have in mind (and to remind them that you can always go elsewhere). ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/7 "2014-11-13T19:12:51Z")
> [@Merneith](#): > > After you transfer the number, you will need to personally contact Sprint to cancel your account there. Don’t just assume that ATT has it handled. You will probably still owe Sprint some money and you’ll need to settle that. I have ported my number a few times and have never had to contact the carrier I was leaving. In fact, it is recommended you do not contact your old carrier and let the new carrier handle everything for you. When the number is activated with your new carrier, the contract with your former carrier is automatically terminated. My new carrier handled all the details and each time my account with my former carrier was canceled. It is true your carrier will send you a bill for your final month of service. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/8 "2014-11-13T20:03:52Z")
If all else fails, go to the horse’s mouth so to speak. From Amazon help: [Activating an AT&T phone](http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201077570) Note the part where it says your service with your previous provider will **automatically** be cancelled when the activation is complete. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/9 "2014-11-13T20:53:39Z")
> [@DingoelGringo](#): > > You sound like a 13 year old girl. Take your daddy by the hand and have him do it for you. This is an official warning for you. I know you’ve had notes before, including [THIS one](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=17897573&postcount=11) that I just issued right now in another thread. You just can’t talk that way to other posters on here outside of the BBQ Pit. If you want to be insulting to others, you make a topic there. Do not make posts like this again, **DingoelGringo**. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/10 "2014-11-13T22:19:54Z")
Thanks for those helpful answers, especially this one. > [@Kimballkid](#): > > If all else fails, go to the horse’s mouth so to speak. From Amazon help: > > [Activating an AT&T phone](http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201077570) > > Note the part where it says your service with your previous provider will **automatically** be cancelled when the activation is complete. I’ve upgraded my phone before, but I haven’t changed carriers since it became possible to keep your phone number. ---
**Author:** ![jacobsta811](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jacobsta811/32/2893_2.png) [@jacobsta811](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jacobsta811)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/11 "2014-11-13T22:30:04Z")
First, you buy your phone unlocked separately: > **[Amazon.com: BlackBerry Q10 SQN100-1 16GB 4G LTE Unlocked GSM Dual-Core OS 10...](https://www.amazon.com/BlackBerry-SQN100-1-16GB-Unlocked-Phone/dp/B00C2NVV60)** > > Amazon.com: BlackBerry Q10 SQN100-1 16GB 4G LTE Unlocked GSM Dual-Core OS 10 Smartphone - Black : Cell Phones & Accessories Then you go to [straighttalk.com](http://straighttalk.com), and buy an AT&T MICRO sim card: (AT&T Compatible Micro SIM Card $6.99 ) [http://www.shopstraighttalk.com/bpdirect/straighttalk/PlanDetails.do?action=view&refPVE=17638350&productVariantExtensionId=13837257](http://www.shopstraighttalk.com/bpdirect/straighttalk/PlanDetails.do?action=view&refPVE=17638350&productVariantExtensionId=13837257) You can buy a month of service from [Walmart.com](http://Walmart.com) or at walmart directly for $45. It is pre-paid, so you buy the card before your activate your service. [Robot or human?](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Email-Delivery-Straight-Talk-Unlimited-Text-Talk-and-Web-Access-30-Day-Service-Card/15443344) Once you get the SIM card, you do “activate + transfer my number” [http://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/howitworks#BYOP](http://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/howitworks#BYOP) You get the same as AT&T service from straighttalk, and I mean the _EXACT SAME TOWERS_ for $45/mo and NO CONTRACT, instead of whatever AT&T would charge you. At _NO_ point do you contact Sprint to cancel your service, if you do you can screw up the number porting. Your service will automatically be cancelled once sprint gets the port request, you can check that it is cancelled once your new phone is up and working with your number. ---
**Author:** ![Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heffalump_and_roo/32/7691_2.png) [@Heffalump\_and\_Roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heffalump_and_Roo)\ **Post date:** [November 13, 2014, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/12 "2014-11-13T22:39:30Z")
My suggestion would be to call AT&T on their 800 number and ask any questions you have before you start anything. They might be able to tell you any pitfalls you might run up against. I would do this part anonymously. They don’t need your details to just answer general questions. If you tell them details, they might create an account for you that you don’t want. Disclaimer: I’ve never ported over a number. I tried calling a company when I was ready to do that, but after talking with them, I decided to take another route. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2014, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/13 "2014-11-14T01:04:18Z")
> [@jacobsta811](#): > > First, you buy your phone unlocked separately: > [Amazon.com: BlackBerry Q10 SQN100-1 16GB 4G LTE Unlocked GSM Dual-Core OS 10 Smartphone - Black : Cell Phones & Accessories](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C2NVV60/ref=psdc_2407749011_t2_B00DZV2JE6) > Then you go to [straighttalk.com](http://straighttalk.com), and buy an AT&T MICRO sim card: > (AT&T Compatible Micro SIM Card $6.99 ) > [http://www.shopstraighttalk.com/bpdirect/straighttalk/PlanDetails.do?action=view&refPVE=17638350&productVariantExtensionId=13837257](http://www.shopstraighttalk.com/bpdirect/straighttalk/PlanDetails.do?action=view&refPVE=17638350&productVariantExtensionId=13837257) > You can buy a month of service from [Walmart.com](http://Walmart.com) or at walmart directly for $45. It is pre-paid, so you buy the card before your activate your service. > [Robot or human?](http://www.walmart.com/ip/Email-Delivery-Straight-Talk-Unlimited-Text-Talk-and-Web-Access-30-Day-Service-Card/15443344) > Once you get the SIM card, you do “activate + transfer my number” > [http://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/howitworks#BYOP](http://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home/howitworks#BYOP) > > You get the same as AT&T service from straighttalk, and I mean the _EXACT SAME TOWERS_ for $45/mo and NO CONTRACT, instead of whatever AT&T would charge you. > > At _NO_ point do you contact Sprint to cancel your service, if you do you can screw up the number porting. Your service will automatically be cancelled once sprint gets the port request, you can check that it is cancelled once your new phone is up and working with your number. Now, _THAT’S_ what I’m talkin’ 'bout. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2014, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/14 "2014-11-14T01:24:35Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Now, _THAT’S_ what I’m talkin’ 'bout. Straight Talk’s unlimited plan is pretty generous, too. For $45 you get 3 GB of high speed data, 3G and 4G speeds. After you hit 3 GB, they throttle you back to EDGE (2G) speeds, but they don’t cut off your data or charge you for going over. Most other providers only give you 1 or 2 GB at best. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2014, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/15 "2014-11-14T04:34:17Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > Straight Talk’s unlimited plan is pretty generous, too. For $45 you get 3 GB of high speed data, 3G and 4G speeds. After you hit 3 GB, they throttle you back to EDGE (2G) speeds, but they don’t cut off your data or charge you for going over. Most other providers only give you 1 or 2 GB at best. Actually, I was complimenting **jacobsta811** on the thorough, detailed, sequential, step-by-step reply to my OP. The sad sequel to all of this is that I DO have a contract with Sprint on my current phone and it still has a year to go. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2014, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/16 "2014-11-14T05:03:20Z")
> [@jacobsta811](#): > > First, you buy your phone unlocked separately: > [Amazon.com: BlackBerry Q10 SQN100-1 16GB 4G LTE Unlocked GSM Dual-Core OS 10 Smartphone - Black : Cell Phones & Accessories](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C2NVV60/ref=psdc_2407749011_t2_B00DZV2JE6) > > \ A very informative post! Thank you! ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2014, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/17 "2014-11-14T06:17:33Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Actually, I was complimenting **jacobsta811** on the thorough, detailed, sequential, step-by-step reply to my OP. > > The sad sequel to all of this is that I DO have a contract with Sprint on my current phone and it still has a year to go. ☹ Oh, boy. Then this is not the time to cancel your Sprint service and go to AT&T. Sprint will hit you with an early termination fee of up to $350 for advanced devices. And I’m sure the BlackBerry is an advanced device. [http://shop2.sprint.com/en/services/termination\_fee/early\_termination\_fee.shtml](http://shop2.sprint.com/en/services/termination_fee/early_termination_fee.shtml) The proper time to change carriers is when your contract is up and you’re no longer locked in to Sprint. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2014, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/18 "2014-11-14T13:05:55Z")
> [@cochrane](#): > > Oh, boy. Then this is not the time to cancel your Sprint service and go to AT&T. Sprint will hit you with an early termination fee of up to $350 for advanced devices. And I’m sure the BlackBerry is an advanced device. > > [http://shop2.sprint.com/en/services/termination\_fee/early\_termination\_fee.shtml](http://shop2.sprint.com/en/services/termination_fee/early_termination_fee.shtml) > > The proper time to change carriers is when your contract is up and you’re no longer locked in to Sprint. Yeah, I know. _\_ ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2014, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/19 "2014-11-14T14:00:09Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > The desired objectives: > > 1. I wind up with a new cell phone, a BlackBerry Q10 (this will be my fourth BlackBerry–I like them–not interested in another brand). > 2. I wind up with a new carrier, AT&T. I"m currently with Sprint and have been with them for about 16 years. In my new house, I’m in roaming in my own living room, plus at work I’m in a Sprint Dead Zone. I have internet through AT&T at home, so I want to switch to AT&T. T-mobile will pay early termination charges. It doesn’t look like they have a Q10 but you can find Crackberries for them. Yeah, I know not it’s not the equipment desired in #1, but (probably) better service than #2. Another thought (& I don’t know if it’ll work or not) - will Sprint let you out of early term fee since they’re not providing adequate coverage in your area? Hell, I once had AT&T pay for my new phone _at Verizon_ in lieu of dropping an arbitration claim against them over service related issues. Read your contract. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [November 14, 2014, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542/20 "2014-11-14T14:51:23Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Actually, I was complimenting **jacobsta811** on the thorough, detailed, sequential, step-by-step reply to my OP. > > The sad sequel to all of this is that I DO have a contract with Sprint on my current phone and it still has a year to go. ☹ I just did the same thing from 20 years Sprint customer to new AT&T customer because of moving into a dead zone, and while still under contract to Sprint. The process is simple: Go to the AT&T store & they will get you a device and transfer your old Sprint number to it while you wait. It’ll take 30-60 minutes total in the store. Then a couple days later call Sprint. They’ll know you switched to AT&T and will say you now owe them $200 or whatever for the cancelled contract. Tell them about the dead zone and ask for them to waive the cancellation fee. The person at the call center can’t, but they will promise to send your account to somebody who will review & perhaps waive. After 3 or 4 weeks they’ll get back to you, probably waiving little or none of the cancellation fee. So then you pay the fee and consider it just one last good-bye kiss. At least that’s what I did. For 3 phones’ worth of fees. The good news is that my AT&T service was cheaper enough than the Sprint service had been that even after paying the cancellation fees I was money ahead versus waiting a few months for my contracts to run out. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-someone-walk-me-through-the-sequence-of-events-re-getting-a-new-cell-phone/704542.md?page=2)