Keep the Same Phone Number but Not the Same Phone

Want to keep your old phone? It might be time to let go--or upgrade.

When switching carriers, you might not be able to use the same phone with a different company. Carriers have cell phones programmed for use within a certain network. Therefore, phones tend to not be transferrable from carrier to carrier. You can get a new Nokia, the same model as your existing phone, but you can't transfer your old phone to the new network.

But take heart if you fear change: You can keep the same phone number. Most carriers offer this option to help make the transition between carriers more simple for customers. You've said bye-bye to your old phone. You want to keep your old phone number--for convenience. Right. For convenience.