Transfer Your Landline Number to Your Cell Phone

There's no doubt about it, we live in a mobile society where everything necessary for any task must be on-hand at all times. Since just about everyone has a cell phone now or are planning on purchasing one in the near future, to many, a landline service seems redundant and impractical. But what does one do when all friends, family, businesses, utilities, etc. know only the landline number that you have been using for the past 10 years? This seems like a daunting task giving out your new number to everyone you know and hoping that they will remember it, and what to do about the people that you will surely forget about? They will never know how to contact you.

It's not as bad as it seems; there is a simple solution that will take care of this. Along with the cell phone portability law that was passed in 2003, that allows transfers of one cell phone number to a different cell phone provider, there is also a stipulation that landline phone companies must also adhere to the law. So, in fact, it is possible to use your landline number for your new or existing cell phone service. This will save you the hassle of having to keep that landline you no longer need and at the same time use the number you've always been using anyway.

There are a few simple rules for getting this done. First, the landline number must be a number in an area code and region supported by your cell phone service. So, if you move to new area and then purchase your cell phone service in the new area, they will not be able to transfer your number. Always call your cell provider to make sure your landline number is transferrable.

Everything that needs to be done can be accomplished through your cell phone provider. There is nothing you need to do with your landline company except to cancel service. Make sure number has been successfully ported before cancelling your home service. By law, the transfer must be made within two hours of scheduling. The problem here is that you will not be sure when the transfer has been scheduled. Many cell phone providers still use a manual paper system to contact the other phone company, so they recommend giving a maximum of four days before the transfer has been completed.

If you plan on porting your landline number to an existing cell phone service, simply call your provider and tell them of your request. They will either complete the process over the phone or send you the required paperwork through the mail. Some providers may have you complete the request online. If you are using your existing cell phone provider, be aware that a fee may be involved for changing the existing number. Also you must be aware that your present cell phone number will be replaced and no longer be usable after the transfer.

If you are purchasing a new cell phone service, the paperwork is usually part of the regular sign-up process, along with the contract. If they do not give you a form or ask if you want to port an existing number, be sure to ask them. Also be aware that most of the forms only stipulate the transfer of numbers from one cell phone provider to another. The same form is used for landlines, just write in a note that the number is from a landline, if it is not specified.

The last thing to know, is that the phone transfer will not work for pre-paid, or pay-as-you-go cell phone service. It will only work for regular contract service. Don't even try this process if you have a pre-paid service such as Tracphone or Virgin Mobile.

Once the process is complete, there is nothing further to do, but sit back and wait for the calls. No one will be the wiser that you are now on a cell phone instead of at home.