If you change from one state to another, do you have to get a new cell number? Is there a fee?

Question

I plan on moving from Chicago,IL to Houston,TX. I am not sure how the whole cellphone thing needs to be handled.

Answer 1

No you don't HAVE to, but it's nice to have the same area code. And I changed my phone number without a fee. I have Verizon, and I'm not sure of other services' rules. I also changed it after I renewed my contract. It's a pretty easy system too.

Answer 2

It depends on what service you use; if you have a national service like US Cellular or T-Mobile, then no, you don't necessarily HAVE to get a new number, but you may be roaming when you make calls from Houston.

If you have a local service (like Cricket here in Oklahoma) they don't have service outside of your local area, so you will have to get a new phone.

I have T-Mobile personally and am planning on moving; I was told I would have to renew my contract, but that I would get a number for the area I'm moving to without a fee.

However, if you're on a contract and have to cancel service, there may be a termination fee.

Your best bet is to call the customer service number or visit the store where you got your phone so they can take a look at your account and let you know the process.

Answer 3

I moved from Chicago to Boston a few years ago. I have an account w/ Verizon Wireless (still do). Because the franchises in Chicago and Boston represent different regions, each handle accounts separately. In other words, I couldn't make any changes to my account at a Boston VZW store because they didn't have access to my account info in the Midwest.

I decided to move my account to Boston, and they changed my cell phone numbers to locally Boston ones, no charge. All done over the phone.

That said, I know people who held onto their old numbers even though they left the region, so that their friends and family can still dial a local number. The billing is at the new address, and all their account management is done by phone or online.

Answer 4

You don't have to get a new number at all. I kept my old Nevada number for several months after moving back to Ohio. You will probably want to change it at some point, but I wouldn't worry about it right now since there's no such thing as "long distance" with cell phones. But yes, check the area to make sure you won't be subject to roaming.

Some companies charge for a number change, some don't so you'll have to check with your provider.

Answer 5

Yes i would change it. And they will probably be a fee to set up on the new network.
Heres the problem with not changing:
You move to houston, and call a neighbor...local call for both.
your new neighbor call you...long distance for both (their phone needs to find your phone bouncing off chicago and then back to houston)
your old friend calls from chicago....long distance for both (same idea as above)

In the end, its easier to pay the network fees than a million long distance charges

Answer 6

you shouldnt have to get a new number for a cell phone, you would just use a different area code. although its possible that you may have to change it, because someone in that area might already have your cell number.