Are you wondering how you can get rid of landline but keep number for continued use? There are several ways you can still access the number without a landline.
Since most landlines are house numbers and have already been shared out, you cannot get rid of them without an alternative option around it.
If you want to get rid of landline but keep your number, you can now contact any major service provider for porting services. Additionally, you can use the Google Voice alternative for porting as it will pair to your Gmail account.
There are also third-party services with clear detailed processes on how to get rid of your landline but keep your number.
Landlines have been an important part of many businesses and homes for a long time.
These numbers are shared widely, and some are even available on the town’s Yellow pages. You cannot get rid of them before completing the porting process.
Why You May Need Number Porting
Telephone bills can get quite costly, and porting offers a way to make some savings.
Here are some reasons why you should keep number even when you get rid of landline:
It Saves You Some Money
Once you complete the porting process with your new provider, you can request a phone plan to bundle all your services.
These include TV, Internet and mobile connections, and the bill will reduce significantly.
Upgrade Communication To Another Provider
You no longer have to stick around with poor communication connections.
You get to retain your number through porting while still upgrading to a better service provider.
Convenience
Once your landline number is ported to your mobile phone, you will get additional convenience.
You don’t have to be home to receive the calls as they will now come to your mobile. It is thus more convenient to get rid of home phone but keep number.
Note that when you keep number you will also enjoy new deals from the telecommunication company.
And with number porting and you don’t have to inform your existing clients as you won’t have a new number. It is simple for business.
How to Get Rid of Landline but Keep Number – Steps
After you have weighed all the benefits of getting rid of your landline, you can take various steps for the transition.
Before you begin, you should remember that your new telecommunication company will charge you a fee to complete the move. This is often one-time aside from your monthly bills.
Step #1 Porting Through Google Voice
You can port your landline number to your existing Google Voice account. You will have to pay a fee to port your number from the landline to google. Applicable rates are mostly $20.
Here is how to do it:
- Open Google Voice on your preferred browser.
- If you are new to the service, set it up.
- Click on Menu and select the Legacy Google Voice option.
- Open Settings and click on Phones.
- Select the Port option and enter the landline number.
- Save the changes and make the payment of your fee.
Remember with Google voice you can use any number and later change it to the landline number you intend to port.
Note: Porting through google voice isn’t available for all landline numbers.
You can check to ensure that your porting status is good before you begin. You can now receive calls on your device.
Step #2 Forward your Landline Number to Mobile Phone
You can now forward all the calls that come into your landline to your phone. Before you begin, you should ensure your landline is eligible for forwarding.
If it is forward enabled by your provider, here is how you can do it:
- Lift the landline phone receiver and dial *72 and wait for the dial tone.
- Enter the new number you want to forward the calls to.
- Press # and wait for confirmation.
- You should receive a confirmation message on your mobile.
Upon successful completion, you don’t need to have your landline as all its calls will be redirected.
If you would like to reconnect to your landline in the future, you can disable the forwarding option.
Step #3 Use a third-party Platform
There are alternative platforms that offer porting services for all major telecommunication companies.
They are available countrywide, and they will help you transfer the landline to your mobile easily. These platforms are convenient as they are compatible with most landlines.
You will, however, have to purchase a phone plan with them. The transfer will take about 72 hours.
Once complete, you can get rid of your landline, and all calls will come to your mobile.
Check out these third-party platforms:
- Ooma
- Phone(dot)com
- RingCentral
- Nextiva
- GrassHopper
- GoToConnect
Additionally, you can get a unique cell phone for office use if you have a business. The third-party platforms will set it up and transfer all the calls here.
It is thus simpler for multiple call service attendants to work the phones. This process is fast, convenient and your phone records will remain safe.
Step #4 Contact your Service Provider
This step is free and simple, and you don’t need to perform any technical connections.
This is how to do it:
- Call the service provider you intend to move to.
- Request to speak to the Customer Loyalty department for better assistance.
- Explain the situation and give the number you intend to port.
- They will communicate with your previous provider and complete the porting process.
Note: Once the porting is complete, you will get a confirmation on your mobile.
This is the simplest process on how to get rid of landline but keep number as your new provider will complete it for you. Once done, you can pay the fees and get rid of your landline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can You Un-Forward Calls From Your Landline?
Forwarding is a temporary solution that lets you keep your number. If you wouldn’t want to get rid of your landline, you can un-forward it.
- Dial *73 and wait for the beep.
- Enter the number you want to un-forward and enter #.
- Wait for the confirmation on your mobile,
- Your landline will get unforwarded.
Which Is The Best Porting Option?
Porting through Google Voice is a convenient option for many. It allows you to back up the contacts from your landline.
You can also save all your call history to your google account for future reference.
It is simple to use, and all you need is to register an account. Its fees are also one-time, unlike other providers that will charge you monthly.
You can now port your landline number and transfer it to another provider. You can use Google Voice for porting as it will pair to your Gmail account, and you can create backups. You can also contact major phone providers for porting options or use third-party porting services.
Read Next: Why Is There No Dial Tone On Phone But Internet Works?
Conclusion
It’s important to note that porting is a permanent process. You will have to move to the newly selected telecommunication provider and disconnect your landline.
It is, however, not a problem as you will still have the number from your landline.
Although landlines have been around for a long and offer good communication, you will need to get rid of them sometime.
The above methods will guide you on how to get rid of landline but keep number and receive their calls. You can now continue with comfortable communication.
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.