Switch your local and long distance telephone service and keep your number
Depending on where you live, SureWest can offer you a fresh alternative for local and long distance calling. You can purchase the best in digital entertainment – TV, high-speed Internet and telephone service – from one provider for a better value. And if you live in an area where this service is currently available, you can sign up for new service and keep you existing phone number too!
Check my zip code for service availability
For more information, see our frequently asked questions below.
- What is local number portability?
- When will this “portability” telephone number switching service be available?
- How does local number portability work?
- How is it determined if a telephone number can be ported?
- Should I cancel my existing service before porting?
- Will I need new equipment?
- How long will it take to port my number?
- Can I make calls during the porting process?
- Can I make calls to 911 during the number transfer?
- If the port process takes more than one day, will I still be responsible for paying my current provider for services?
- Where can I get more information regarding portability?
What is local number portability?
Local Number Portability is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandate that requires wireless and wireline (or landline) service providers to allow customers with eligible phone numbers to retain their number when changing service providers. Local Number Portability was mandated by the FCC for the 100 top Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) in the United States — which includes the Sacramento region.
[Back to top] When will this “portability” telephone number switching service be available?
Local number portability is currently available.
[Back to top] How does local number portability work?
You can sign up for service with SureWest and keep your existing phone number. Landline service is available to certain residents and businesses depending on where you live in our service area (check availability).
To port your current non-SureWest landline to our telephone service provided by SureWest Telephone or broadband residential services, all you need to do is contact us and complete a port form. We recommend you provide us with a copy of your bill to facilitate the porting process.
[Back to top] How is it determined if a telephone number can be ported?
All phone numbers are assigned to a local geographic area. To port a number from one carrier to another, it has to remain associated with the same local geographic area where it is currently assigned. So, to port your landline number to another carrier, that carrier must be within the same area.
To determine if it’s possible to port your number through SureWest, contact our customer service agents at 1.866.SureWest (866.787.3937).
[Back to top] Should I cancel my existing service before porting?
No, absolutely not. Your current number must remain active. Canceling your service prior to porting will prevent you from keeping your number. Your new service provider will initiate the process and notify your current provider of the switch.
[Back to top] Will I need new equipment?
All landline phones work essentially the same. You will not need to purchase a different phone when porting your current landline service to SureWest’s landline service. However, to provide digital TV and high-speed Internet as part of our triple-play service offering, additional equipment will be required. Contact your service representative for more information.
[Back to top] How long will it take to port my number?
SureWest Customer Care is prepared for the volume of customers seeking better service and value by creating a Porting Administration Team whose sole purpose is to facilitate the porting process. The process can take from two hours to 10 days. Please call your Customer Care representative to see how long the process may take depending on how you are porting. 1.866.SureWest (1.866.787.3937)
[Back to top] Can I make calls during the porting process?
In most cases, depending on your new carrier and the service they offer. With telephone service from SureWest Telephone and our broadband residential group, your new telephone service should become active on the day of your scheduled installation. Your current service will be active up until that day.
[Back to top] Can I make calls to 911 during the number transfer?
Telephone porting from a landline to a landline should be seamless. You will be able to make calls from your old carrier until the port is complete. Calls to 911 are provided by all landline carriers.
[Back to top] If the port process takes more than one day, will I still be responsible for paying my current provider for services?
Yes. You will still be responsible for any unpaid bill, unfulfilled contract, fee or charge, including any early termination fee or charge that is or has been incurred with the service provider from whom you are moving.
Also, keep in mind that a landline is the connection point for several additional services you may have in your home or business such as multiple phone extensions, Internet access, Centrex, Auto Attendant, ISDN, satellite or dish TV systems, alarm monitoring and emergency response systems, among others. The termination of your landline could result in the inadvertent disruption and termination of these services.
[Back to top] Where can I get more information regarding portability?
Visit the Federal Communications Commission website at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/NumberPortability/.
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