West Virginia Wireless is a supporter of number portability. You should do business where it makes you happy. Local Number Portability enables consumers to select wireless providers based on service, quality, and price, rather than on the desire to keep a particular telephone number.

Wireless LNP is simply the ability to keep a wireless number when changing wireless service providers. In some cases, you will also be able to switch from a wireline carrier to a wireless carrier, or from a wireless carrier to a wireline carrier and still keep your phone number. This ability is provided through technical and operational arrangements between carriers. The new carrier will need to validate information with the old carrier and notify a centralized system, but all told, the process could take less than three hours.

However, LNP does have limitations. Numbers can only be ported between carriers located in the same city. For instance, a Cleveland, OH number cannot be ported to Charleston, WV; it can only be ported between carriers in Cleveland. Likewise, a Charleston, WV number can only be ported between carriers in Charleston, WV. Because each carrier is unique and offers different devices and applications, not every application will function exactly the same and not every device from one carrier will work on another carrier's network. Additionally, potential glitches could arise if, for example, customers give inaccurate information about their old plans. It's a complex process with lots of systems interfacing with other systems.

Some nationwide carriers offer number portability in all the markets in which they serve. This means that LNP could be available to some wireless customers in West Virginia, depending on which company you have wireless service with.

In addition to being available with West Virginia Wireless, our goal is to make understanding LNP as easy as possible. West Virginia Wireless is committed to the communities it serves, and we continually make an effort to educate and inform consumers about wireless changes and issues that effect our communities.

Local Number Portability Tips

– West Virginia Wireless currently offers local number portability.

– When you decide that you'd like to switch carriers, your service agreement must remain in effect with your old carrier. If you are still in a contract with your current wireless provider and you try to switch carriers, you will likely be charged a cancellation fee.

– Do not terminate service before signing up for new service. Your new wireless carrier will do this when the porting process starts.

– When switching carriers, you will probably need to get a new phone. Not every device from one carrier will work on another carrier's network.

– Bring a copy of your current wireless bill when you visit with new carriers. The carriers are relying on billing systems to port your number and switch service, and you must give the correct information from your wireless phone bill or expect delays.

– Inquire about the portability and pooling fees that may get charged to your bill. Your old carrier will charge a one-time fee. Your new carrier may add a monthly portability fee of $1.00 - $2.00 to your bill to help recoup carrier costs.