Unlocked phones and keeping your number

Is your phone locked?

The FCC says: "Unless a phone, or other wireless device, is specifically sold as 'unlocked' at the point of purchase, it is probably locked to a specific wireless provider's network." Ask your current carrier.

Balances and contracts

The FCC says: "If you owe money to your provider or are under a contract, they may not unlock your phone until you have paid the balance due or met the terms of the contract." It says the unlocking process "typically varies by phone and by provider," and that providers may have different unlocking policies for prepaid and postpaid plans. Ask your carrier for its current unlocking policy.

Unlocked is not the same as compatible

The FCC says unlocking "may not make the phone technologically compatible with another wireless provider's network." Check the new carrier's compatibility page with your exact model.

Keeping your number

The FCC says that if you switch providers and stay in the same geographic area, "you can keep your existing phone number." It says: "Do not terminate your service with your existing company before initiating new service with another company."

Review your contract

The FCC says your contract "may contain early termination fees and/or outstanding balances that you are obligated to pay."

Porting fees and balances

The FCC says companies "may charge you to port your number, but you can ask whether any fees can be waived or negotiated." It also says that once you request service from a new company, your old company "cannot refuse to port your number, even if you owe money for an outstanding balance or termination fee." Porting does not cancel what you owe. The FCC says your contract may contain early termination fees and outstanding balances "that you are obligated to pay."

How long it takes

The FCC says its rules require simple ports, which generally involve one line, to be processed "in one business day." It says you may be able to use your phone within a few hours for changes among wireless providers, and that porting from wireline to wireless may take a few days.

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