port number to new provider

[DonnaNolanWilson]

We are SICK of Verizon's Bologna. It is time for us to take the prepaid phone we have and move to another provider, however they are telling us that Verizon will not release the Prepaid number to be ported. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Snn5 · Accepted solution]

Prepaid Device Unlocking Policy:

• We do not lock our 4G LTE Prepaid devices, and no code is needed to program them for use with another carrier.
• We do not lock our 3G Prepaid devices, other than our 3G Phone-in-the-Box Prepaid phones, and the simple code to program such 3G Prepaid devices for use with another carrier is either “000000” or “123456.” If the user guide for your device does not provide instructions to access the programming menu, you can contact us at *611 from your Verizon Wireless phone, or (888)294-6804, for assistance.
• Our 3G Prepaid Phone-in-the-Box phones are restricted for use with our Prepaid service for six months after activation, and are locked to the Verizon Wireless network for 12 months after activation. After six months, the restriction to our Prepaid service is automatically removed. After 12 months, you can contact us at *611 from your Verizon Wireless Prepaid phone, or (888)294-6804, and we will provide you with the programming code so that you can unlock your phone. If the user guide for your phone does not provide instructions to access the programming menu, we can help you with that as well.

I would think that the number could not be released until perhaps this min term was completed with the device.  Could be wrong.

[DonnaNolanWilson]

Well, we've had the phone for nearly 3 years so I think that is long enough, It is also a PREPAID so there should be no minimum. But at 3 years we are safe I think. Any other thoughts?

[Snn5]

Any outstanding bills or fees?  I know that Verizon has virtually no restrictions are porting in, but they do have a FAQ page.  i wonder if your new carrier has a FAQ page that can answer anything from their side.

[DonnaNolanWilson]

No outstanding fees. It is, as I aid repeatedly a prepaid. We actually have over $100.00 in credit.

[Snn5]

DonnaNolanWilson wrote:

however they are telling us that Verizon will not release the Prepaid number to be ported.

Who is "they?" and who is the new provider?

[DonnaNolanWilson]

They would be the new service provider. Which is Republic. I also checked Sprint and got the same response that the number can NOT be ported.

[Snn5]

I saw in a Verizon FAQ that "in some instances numbers cannot be ported."  BUT, I never found a list of those instances.

[pherson]

Depending on your area, the area code, or if you were part of a company that verizon purchased or had to sell cellular spectrum from, could prevent the port. It is ultimately up to the carrier if they wanna let their number go to another provider. My suggestion is if you wanna leave that bad is to get a new number.

[DonnaNolanWilson]

At this point I would be willing to pay Verizon to give me the number. How ridiculous is that?

[Snn5]

I know, its a hassle, but why not just get a new number if you want Verizon that bad?

[DonnaNolanWilson]

Too many people have the number to try and work in a new one. Verizon has us by the - you know what.

[Snn5]

Well, you might be in a tough spot then.  You want to keep it for obvious reasons but Republic won't let you.  I think it has to do with area code.  My area with NO Republic coverage cannot transfer with my area code, however, a North Carolina area code, where Republic is HUGE, is able to port.

[DonnaNolanWilson]

Republic can give me a local number, IF I want a new one, they claim that Verizon will NOT release the number.

[Snn5]

I don't think it is Verizon necessarily, I really do believe it is limited to numbers with area codes for their coverage area.  Those smaller MVNO carriers are really restrictive.

[DonnaNolanWilson]

No matter, if I can't port it we'll start anew and Verizon can go suck money off someone else and hopefully we can get the new number to everyone on our list. Life's too short to stress it but VERIZON SUCKS.

[Snn5]

Best wishes.

[vzw_customer_support]

I'm bummed to see you're considering leaving us, DonnaNolanWilson. If you haven't already, I'd highly recommend reaching out to our Prepay Team by dialing 888-294-6804 from a number other than your prepaid phone to discuss any money saving opportunities or to see if there are restrictions on your account. Our community friend SNN does have an excellent point that ports may be restricted if the carrier you are porting to does not have a license to provide coverage for the area code and prefix of your mobile number. With Verizon's reliable coverage you can port a number into Verizon Wireless almost anywhere but the same usually doesn't hold true for smaller carriers. Snn5

JenniferH_VZW 

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport If my response answered your question please click the "Correct Answer" button under my response. This ensures others can benefit from our conversation. Thanks in advance for your help with this!!

[pherson]

This comment shows how reps don't pay attention. I'm not throwing shade against snn5 but my comments before his showed how their could be limitations. I now see how people get frustrated when reps give unnecessary or pointless comments on forum questions.