Keeping Number Question (T-Mobile, contract, ATT, opera)

[Everest209]

I've had this same telephone number for years, I'd like to keep it. After experimenting with a smart phone for a few weeks I've realized it's not for me, just not worth the cost to me. I have about two weeks left in the cancellation period.

I've used tracfone for years, and I want to just port this smartphone number back to tracfone. Would you go ahead and do it, then cancel the smartphone (with tmobile) or go into the store,cancel, and then transfer, or would I lose the number doing that? Any help is appreciated.

[dontaskwhy]

Transfer the number first, no need to notify your current provider. If you cancelled first, you will lose the mobile #.

[Rabrrita]

Porting usually cannot be done if a number is not active. If you cancel with T-Mobile, that number becomes inactive and Tracfone may not be able to port it. You also run the risk that by canceling with the current carrier, they have the number and can assign it to someone else. Although they are supposed to hold inactive numbers for at least 30 days before reassigning, they often reassign it to their internal use and hold it hostage. T-Mobile isn't known for this, but it's always a possibility.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

All of the above posts^^

Port first then cancel. Typically porting (if in a contract already with another operator) = canceled contract.
In that case ETFs may be imposed, but as you are with Tracfone, it wont matter.