What do I do with my cell phone service (Boise: transfer, taxes)

[DESERTRYDER]

When we actually get to Idaho as a permanent address just what do I do with my old cell phone with a 559 Calif area code???
Keep paying the bill and use it in Idaho? Can I do that ? I do have unlimited state to state calling.
Trade it in for a cell phone service in Boise ??

I need to know what did you do when you moved ???

[NoMoss]

Hi--My sister had a cell phone in NC. Then, she moved to PA, to OH, and back to PA, and still has the same NC phone number with no problem. Some people (especially employers) are suspicious of you if you don't have a "local" number, however. When I moved from CO to KY, I arranged for a KY number while I still lived in CO so that I could put a local number on my resume while searching for a job in KY.
If you have a good provider and a good plan, it won't matter for a while if you change your number or not. Also, another friend of mine always takes her new phone to the phone (Verizon) store and has them somehow move all her info and contacts over to her new phone automatically, so remember to ask about that and don't delete your numbers before you find out if they can be moved electronically.
Good luck moving!

[Niners fan]

You can keep the old number or go get a new number with your existing phone or a new phone. The only bummer about getting a new number is letting everyone know about it. The downside to keeping your 559 number is having to give the area code to everyone you meet locally.

[Sage of Sagle]

I've been here a few years now and still have my 760 area code...just way too many things linked to my cell (personal and business) to change it any time soon...

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by DESERTRYDER

When we actually get to Idaho as a permanent address just what do I do with my old cell phone with a 559 Calif area code???
Keep paying the bill and use it in Idaho? Can I do that ? I do have unlimited state to state calling.
Trade it in for a cell phone service in Boise ??

I need to know what did you do when you moved ???

Desert Ryder,

Not that WE need to know, but maybe it would be worthwhile to check with your carrier and the terms of that contract. I don't know if every phone number (and previous area codes) can be transferred to another state or not.

Wish I had an answer, but the truth is you may have answered something more for me and why someone I know kept their old area code (which I couldn't figure out), than I've been able to help you.

Also, Wirefly and I recently saw Amazon are doing some new services for wireless customers. I'm wondering if you really WANT to keep your current number, or do you WANT to get a new one in ID and share it with those you wish to have it in CA?

Plus, either your current carrier or a service like Wirefly may forward calls for X months. I don't know the possibilities, I only know if you don't ask you won't know if your currrent plan restricts you.

Then there is the issue of all the TAXES associated with phones. Not sure what you pay and whether that would be worth checking out in ID. Wirefly, or other sites, you can set up what would be an "ideal address" for yourself and see what your options/costs would be.

Hope that gives you a couple of avenues to pursue.

[cleosmom]

So who is your provider and do you have free roaming? Are you planning on getting a landline? If you have free roaming and are planning on getting a landline I wouldn't worry about a thing. You're retired so no need to worry about potential emplyers even if you don't get a landline.

Where we are folks are coming from all over; TN, WA, OH and TX to name a few and most all that I know a few years after arriving here still have the same cell. Since these are clients through work I happen to know this and that they are working for The Site (INL). Most of the travel spots for EIRMC (hospital) retain their numbers or they'd be going nuts every time they grabbed a new post.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Good advice from everybody! DR, I can imagine that you don't want to incur additional expenses when you move, but what you might consider doing is get a second, local cell phone once you're in ID, and phase the CA phone out over a longer period of time (if at all). I have two cell phones myself, one for business and the other for family and friends. But make sure it's Verizon--we've been told that's the only network in NID! And you'll be doing a lot of trips up our way

[brokencrayola]

There are other networks in N. ID than Verizon, but Verizon is the best and has the best coverage in more remote places. When I lived outside of Clark Fork we could not use our cell phone there at all. There was a few spots between the town of Clark Fork and just past the moose area (Pack River) where you could use the phone. The main reason I think of with getting a local cell phone number is anyone you deal with here in Idaho will have to call long distance to speak with you.

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by Clark Fork Fantast

Good advice from everybody! DR, I can imagine that you don't want to incur additional expenses when you move, but what you might consider doing is get a second, local cell phone once you're in ID, and phase the CA phone out over a longer period of time (if at all). I have two cell phones myself, one for business and the other for family and friends. But make sure it's Verizon--we've been told that's the only network in NID! And you'll be doing a lot of trips up our way

It's odd that the carriers strength vary depending on where you are. We've been with Sprint for eons basically because my DH drives truck cross country and for the services we use, they are the best in coverage and price. There are areas in NV where I have reception, yet my Verizon friend does not.

[Miborn]

If you at some time can change the number to a ID one. But you can keep the number as long as you want I dont think there are restrictions on where you have to live to keep the service just maybe when you initially get the service.
I would not worry about it until after you move.