If you are switching wireless carriers it’s usually possible to take your phone number with you. The process of moving a phone number from one carrier to another is called porting, Here’s how to do it:
Don’t terminate your existing service. You old carriers account must be active at the start of the port. Porting will automatically close your old account. If you cancel service before the port completes, your account will be closed prematurely and you will lose your number.
Gather the information you need. All carriers require at a minimum the number you are porting and the account number and PIN or password. Most also ask for the account holder’s name and billing address. If you don’t know your account number or password see the list below for tips on finding the account credentials for specific carriers.
Initiate a number port with the carrier you are switching to. Most wireless carriers let you do a port online. A few require you to call in.
Ports usually complete within 24 hours, often in an hour or less. During the porting process there may be a short period, usually less than five minutes, when neither phone works. When the port is done you may get a welcome text or voice message from the new carrier or the new phone may just start working without any message. If the number hasn’t ported within 24 hours you need to call your new carrier.
Text Messaging can take longer to fully activate. It can take up to 3 business days after calls work with a ported number before incoming texts work from all operators. If your texts aren’t working 3 business days after calling starts working, contact your new carrier.
– Prepaid Phone News