If you are moving to a new house, one of the biggest questions you might be having is, “can I keep my landline phone number when I move?”
After all, your landline number may be tied to a lot of things and losing it would be a huge hassle.
The good news is that yes, you can take and keep your landline number when you move.
There is a process to it, and there are usually also some fees to pay for, but it is not impossible.
Can I Keep My Landline Phone Number When I Move?
Keeping your landline number is a process that usually takes one to two business days to formally request.
After that, it can take as fast as one business day or as long as a few weeks to successfully make the transfer.
Either way, it is then better to plan this way ahead of the move so that by the time that the move happens, you have settled this matter with your number already.
How To Keep Landline Phone While Moving Home?
The transferring of an existing number to a different type of service or a different service provider is called porting.
Before porting your number, there are some things that you need to understand first, and some things that you need to prepare.
Talk With Your Original Provider First
Reach out to your provider and ask how they process a porting request.
Usually, there would be no reason for them to deny this request.
However, make sure you have settled everything you need to settle first.
Make sure that you have no outstanding balance on your account.
If there are any, make sure to close it as soon as possible.
If your landline service comes as a bundle of a plan that includes TV, internet, or anything else, you may need to modify your plan before porting.
DO NOT Cancel Your Service
Whatever you do, do not make the request to cancel your existing landline service first, then ask to have your original number ported.
This would be impossible at this point.
When you cancel your service, your provider would deactivate your number and you would lose access to it.
Port Using A Virtual Landline System
After you made your request to your provider and have reached an agreement with them, it is time to find a service that will be the “destination” for your old number.
Some carriers like AT&T accept porting of a landline number to a mobile subscription, but there is an easier option.
Find virtual phone services like Ring Central, CloudTalk, and other similar software systems. Porting through these systems comes with a minimal fee.
Based on your number and the other add-ons you may choose to avail; it may increase in price.
Port Using Google Voice
Porting your number to Google Voice is quite easy and straightforward.
Simply follow the sign up process, and check if your number can be ported to the service. Usually, it should work.
After you get the confirmation that your number is available and usable with Google Voice, all you have to do is pay a one-time fee to Google.
That’s it–you now have your old landline number in a virtual phone system that is more versatile than ever.
Why Choose To Use Google Voice To Port Your Number?
One of the most convincing reasons that you need in choosing Google Voice as the means of bringing your landline number with you is that it is completely free.
Although Google may charge for it in the future, right now, it comes with no cost.
Aside from being free, here are some other reasons why using Google Voice might be the best choice for you.
1. It Is Versatile
Once you have successfully transferred your number to your Google Voice account, you can set up call forwarding.
Now all calls to that landline number will be directed to you or to any mobile phones of other family members.
This means that there would be no chance for you to miss a call, even if you or other family members are not home.
2. You Can Still Use It on Home Phone Systems
Through the help of third-party adapters, you can still use your landline number on Google Voice and connect it to your traditional home phone system.
This means that you can still enjoy that feeling of nostalgia of having a home desk phone.
3. You Can Receive More Than Just Calls
Voicemail is no longer a new service. But when you use Google Voice, you have the option not just to receive voicemail, but more.
Through the service, you can also receive voicemail in the form of a text message or an email that will be transcribed and sent to you.
Read Next: How to Keep your number without service?
Disadvantages Of Using Google Voice
Although it is a good and easy thing that you bring your number to Google Voice and virtually connect it to your other numbers for forwarding.
It also comes with a few disadvantages.
For one, a number ported to Google voice cannot be used to make emergency calls.
Thus, you cannot connect to 911 using it. Also, porting your landline number to Google Voice should be done carefully.
If you currently have a Google Voice number, adding your landline number would overwrite the data for the previous number.
Technically, you will lose it. So, it would be a better idea to make a new account and a new Google Voice instead.
Why Won’t You Be Able to Keep Your Landline Number with You?
Most of the time you would not have any problem in keeping your landline number and bringing it with you when you move.
But there are certain reasons why you won’t be able to keep your number.
You would then be forced to take a new number instead.
You’re Moving Too Far Away
One thing you should know is that while you can take your number with you when you move, you cannot take it anywhere with you.
You need to only move to a place that is under the same area code as your original location.
For example, if you are coming from an area with the code 0121, you cannot take your number with you if your new location has the code 0192.
Depending on your carrier, there might be a special arrangement they can do but mostly, there won’t be much option for you.
There’s A Problem with The Lines
There might be something wrong with the lines where you are moving to.
A situation like this can prevent your carrier from processing the transfer of your number.
In cases like this, it is better to talk with your provider and figure out other possible options to fulfill your request.
Is Keeping A Landline Number Legal?
The US Federal Communications Commission, of the FCC, allows the process of porting a phone number, or the transfer of a number to a different device or provider.
However, it depends on the carrier to take care of the process and requirements on doing it.
Also, the restrictions and limitations when it comes to the porting itself is also left to the individual carrier’s capability and rules.
Usually, if you are going to move to an area with a different area code, things might be hard, if not impossible.
Before You Go
So, you’re asking: can I keep my landline phone number when I move?
Yes, you can–at least, for most of the time.
Though it can take time depending on your carrier, it is totally possible.
If you are moving to a different state, though, or moving to a place that is not serviced by your original provider, what you want may not be possible at all.
Still, communicating with your original service provider is the key to figuring this out.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.