MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
In this day and age, many households are opting for a cell phone-only lifestyle, with some families and businesses ditching landline services altogether.
However, some people still want the reliability and security that they are accustomed to with landline home phones, even if they have a cell phone.
If you're one of those households or businesses who want to keep your landline phone service and number but get rid of the increasing costs, there are a few steps you can take.
Below we have included the steps to keep your existing landline number and hopefully some ways to save money in the process!
Keeping your landline phone number
If you've decided that you want to keep your landline number, there are several steps you can take to do so.
Make sure the provider you select supports the number porting process. This is where you are able to keep your existing phone number and "port" or transfer it to a new company.
It's much like if you were to switch mobile phone carriers and take your phone number with you.
Check eligibility requirements
These requirements vary by the phone service provider, but they usually include the following:
- Your current service provider must support number porting.
- Your phone number and phone service must be active and in good standing.
- Make sure that the number is not tied to any outstanding contract or fees with your current phone provider.
- If there are any early termination fees or contracts, you'll need to take care of any outstanding balance before you can start the process of porting your number with your new carrier.
- Check if there is a one-time fee for transferring your phone number.
- Your new service provider must support number porting to the area you are in.
- You likely must be the primary account holder and have the account number and billing address for both your current provider and new service providers.
How to keep your existing landline phone number
Once you've confirmed that your current number is eligible for porting and the new provider supports number porting, you're ready to start the process.
- Complete port request: Contact your new provider and tell them you want to keep your existing number.
- Give new provider information: Provide the new phone provider with your current carrier name, current phone number, account number, service address, and billing address. Keep in mind they may need some additional information, most of which can be found on your current carrier phone bill.
- Be patient: It can take a few days to a few weeks to get your old landline number transferred. Your new provider may give you a temporary phone number to use during this transition so you can still make and receive phone calls. An open line of communication is key to making the transition seamless.
- Verify & Use New Service: Once the porting process is complete, you'll be able to start using the same number you've been using for years. Make certain everything is working well before you cancel service with your old provider.
How to port your phone number
While the process of porting your phone number is pretty straightforward, there are a few things to keep in mind while you port your number.
It's essential not to cancel your previous accounts with your old provider until the new account has finished the number port. You wouldn't want to miss any important personal or business calls!
Also, if you cancel your service before the new provider has completed the process, you may risk losing your mobile number or landline phone number.
Have a backup plan in case anything goes awry while you are transferring your number. For example, you may need to have a backup phone number that you can use in case there are any issues with the porting process.
Ways to save money & keep your number
One of the cheapest ways to save a little money on your monthly phone bill is to check out the different offers from your local landline phone service and see which one has the best deal for what you need.
To ensure that you can keep your existing landline phone number, research each company and look into the ability to transfer your home phone number. Most can complete this for free.
Compare landline phone providers
When choosing a new provider, be sure to compare their plans and features to ensure that you're getting the best value for your money.
Check out what providers are available in your area. You can do this by checking coverage in your ZIP code.
Keep in mind what calling features are important to your family members or your business.
VoIP home phone service
An option to consider if you want to cut costs and retain your same home number is a VoIP service (Voice over Internet Protocol).
VoIP service allows you to make calls and receive phone calls over the Internet rather than over traditional phone lines that use copper cables.
VoIP services typically offer a wide range of features and services, including call forwarding, voicemail, and call blocking. They can also usually port numbers.
They also often come with lower monthly rates with bundled services and fewer hidden fees than traditional landline services.
Advantages of VoIP
There are quite a few benefits to choosing a VoIP telephone service like Ooma:
- Lower costs
- Keep your number
- Flexibility
- Clearer voice quality
- Reliability
- Easy installation
- Extra features
- Portability
- Unlimited nationwide calling
Cellular home phone service
There is yet another option for keeping your landline number. It's a great alternative and has been gaining significant momentum in recent years.
Newer companies like Community Phone offer affordable home phone service using a wireless network just like cell phones. Their wireless home phone services operate off of cell towers, so you'll have access to your landline as long as you have network coverage.
No internet connection is required, so you won't be forced to bundle with services you don't want to help keep the costs low.
Advantages of cellular home phone
Check out these benefits with wireless home phone providers:
- Lower costs
- No internet connection
- Easy setup
- Keep your existing number
- Works in a power outage
- Flexibility
- Unlimited nationwide calling
Landline phone number FAQs
Yes, it is possible, but you will need to switch to a new provider that does offer the service and have your landline phone numbers transferred through a process called "number porting."
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently announced its decision to shut down copper wire landlines in the US. Customers will eventually be necessary to switch home phone service if they still have a copper wire landline.
Internet-based and wireless landline phone service providers have become more prevalent and provide better service at a lower cost.
It's a landline phone service that uses an internet connection to make and receive calls. VoIP services often come with lower monthly rates and a wide range of features and services.
Yes, you can typically keep the same landline phone number you've had for years. Be sure to ask about the home phone number porting process and any associated fees for you or your business.
Recap - Can I keep my landline phone number?
Keeping your existing landline number may seem complicated at first, but with a bit of research and understanding of what services are available today, it doesn't have to be!
The easiest and cheapest way to shave a few dollars off your phone bill is to consider taking your landline with you to a new company
Modern landline services help customers pay way less for the same dependability and quality they are used to.
With the right provider and plan, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of landline phone numbers for years to come.
