Upgrading cell phone - keep the same phone number (3G, iPhones, contract)

[robertpasa]

I have a puny Samsung a167 cell phone that is 2G, ATT plan.

Eventually I want to get a more advanced phone, but keep the same phone number and plan. Or at least one of the two!

When I look at different phones, how can I tell which ones will let me keep the same phone number and plan?

My main concerns are that the new phone is 3G, and has an alphanumeric keypad. Right now I have the puny phone with 3-4 letters on each button.

Also, can I keep the same number if I get the Apple Iphone?

[grady205]

You can keep the same phone number,even if you were to change cell phone carriers.I don't know about ATT,but I am guessing you would need to upgrade your plan with the new phone.Check with ATT,they will be able to tell you.

[Grandpa Pipes]

Originally Posted by robertpasa

I have a puny Samsung a167 cell phone that is 2G, ATT plan.

Eventually I want to get a more advanced phone, but keep the same phone number and plan. Or at least one of the two!

When I look at different phones, how can I tell which ones will let me keep the same phone number and plan?

My main concerns are that the new phone is 3G, and has an alphanumeric keypad. Right now I have the puny phone with 3-4 letters on each button.

Also, can I keep the same number if I get the Apple Iphone?

Your phone number belongs to you not the carrier so don't let them tell you otherwise.

To do what you want to do all you have to do is buy your next phone outright. That will leave you with your current plan and number.

The cell company will try hard to scam you into another contract but don't do it. Just pay for your next phone outta pocket and move on.

[maggie2101]

You can probably keep your number no matter what phone you get. I don't know of any carrier that can't port your current number. My son went from AT&T to Virgin Mobile and was able to keep his number.

You will most likely have to get a new plan with an upgrade. If you get an iPhone you will definitely have to get a new plan that includes data.

[robertpasa]

What about the SIM card in the phone - do you have to move the sim card from the old phone to the new phone, in order to keep the same number?

What cell phones do not use a sim card?

If I do keep the same number and plan, will I have to contact the carrier anyway?

[maggie2101]

The new iPhones use micro sims. AT&T can program the sim to your number.

[kazyn]

As long as you don't change anything on the plan, you can upgrade without issue.

[Peregrine]

I am surprised by the confusion over porting numbers.

The Feds passed a mandate a few years ago that all cell phone providers must port phone numbers. Believe me they wouldn't have just decided to do that on their own. lol

Grandpa Pipes: buy the phone outright? You know an iPhone outright is like $600, right?

[Grandpa Pipes]

Originally Posted by Peregrine

I am surprised by the confusion over porting numbers.

The Feds passed a mandate a few years ago that all cell phone providers must port phone numbers. Believe me they wouldn't have just decided to do that on their own. lol

Grandpa Pipes: buy the phone outright? You know an iPhone outright is like $600, right?

Yes, I know how much these adult toys cost. But what price a ball & chain (your contract)that limits your movement as needed?????

[NJBest]

Originally Posted by Grandpa Pipes

Yes, I know how much these adult toys cost. But what price a ball & chain (your contract)that limits your movement as needed?????

You can always buy out your contract or sell it. The buyout price depreciates over time. This is called "risk management". It really makes no sense to buy the phone outright UNLESS you're going to break the contract within the first few months prior to the initial depreciation in buyout price.