I just moved to a different area code. How can I keep my old home number?

Question

Currently my parents have area code 123 (sample) and we just moved to an area with area code 456(sample). How can I keep my 123 area code number because my parents have this number for more than 15 years. I called Qwest and they said they can't do anything about it since it's a different area code. I really hope that we can keep the number. Pls help me here, I dont know where I can seek help except qwest (which the representatives can't really help me at all) Thanks!!

Currently my parents have area code 123 (sample) and we just moved to an area with area code 456(sample). How can I keep my 123 area code number because my parents have this number for more than 15 years. I called Qwest and they said they can't do anything about it since it's a different area code. I really hope that we can keep the number. Pls help me here, I dont know where I can seek help except qwest (which the representatives can't really help me at all) Thanks!!

Our new house is only 30min away from my old house

Our new house is only 30min away from my old house

Answer 1

You can possibly request that number the be retired and you can use it with a cell phone.

But area codes are just that, they are determined by the area that the phone line lies in. In the old days the area code (and also zip codes) determined exactly where the something was located.

For instances, the area code 123 would be the south side of town while 456 would be the north side. Then the first 3 numbers 987-6543 would indicate a certain portion of that area. And the last 4 numbers broke down to the certain smaller area in that region.

In Germany (back in the day) phone numbers were actually assigned to the house not to the subscriber. I don't know if this is still the case.

But all this is the reason you cannot just change the area code.

Did you think to request the same number with the new area code? You know 456 987-6543 instead of 123 987-6543.
That way you are only changing the area code not the entire number.

Answer 2

I don't think you can, if this is a home fone number. If you're really obsessed with this, and willing to PAY, there are alternatives. Years ago, there was a "foreign exchange", where you made and got calls like they were local. It was VERY expensive, and you had to pay every month.

I really hope somebody else comes up with a better answer. In this age of everything being computerized, I'm sure it's possible... just not sure how. I will be watchin this quesiton, that's for sure! :)

~Cindy! :)

P. S. How far away did ya move? If ya gave the real area codes, it might help us to figure it out...

Answer 3

There's an option for you so you are able to keep your old area code. Have you consider to switch to Vonage or another VoIP phone company where you can choose to have your old area code?
check it out: www.vonage.com

Answer 4

I presume the old phone # is a land line number. You can request the phone company for the old number to change the number to a "remote call forward" number. You will need a different phone # at the new location. People dialing the old number will be auto forwarded to the new # and you will answer it at the new location. You will have to pay a fee for the remote call forward number plus a fee for all long distance charges (if any) associated with forwarding the call to the new location. In some cases you have to have a business phone # at a business rate for remote call forwarding. Check with your old phone company at the old location BEFORE the number has been retired.

Answer 5

If it is a landline, then you can't keep it. If it is a cell phone, then you can change it; just call the phone company and they should change it for free. But I think you have a landline, huh? Sorry. Good luck!