It's called Local Number Portability or LNP. LNP simply means you can transfer your wireless or wireline phone number to AT&T and keep your number.

Q. Can I switch to AT&T but keep the phone number I already have from another carrier?
A. Yes, it is possible to keep the number you already have from another wireless or wireline carrier. First, check to see if your existing number is eligible for transfer to AT&T. If it is, then all you have to do is follow the instructions to authorize the transfer. We'll do the rest.

Q. How do I know if my number is eligible to transfer?
A. It's easy! All you need is the phone number you wish to transfer and the ZIP code for your local service area. Check number transfer eligibility now to get started.

Q. Will checking eligibility affect my current/existing phone service?
A. No. Checking eligibility has no effect on your current/existing phone service. Basically, nothing will happen until you authorize us to transfer your number to AT&T and the transfer is completed.

Q. What information do I need to transfer my number?
A. You must provide the following account information as it appears on record with your current service provider:

• Account number
• Name of the account holder
• Billing address
• PIN or password (if applicable)

AT&T will contact your current service provider to complete the transfer. The information you provide must exactly match your current service provider's records. If there is a mismatch in the data, the transfer will be delayed.

Q. Where can I find this information?
A. You can refer to a recent bill or call your current service provider to verify your information. This is especially important if you have a PIN or password on your account that you can't remember.

Q. How does a number transfer work?
A. The transfer process varies slightly depending on how you decide to purchase and receive your new AT&T phone. You may choose to visit an AT&T retail store or you can order online and have it shipped directly to you. The processes for both options are outlined below:

• AT&T retail store: AT&T will send a number transfer request to your current service provider and wait for confirmation to transfer the number. Meanwhile, your AT&T handset will be activated into mixed service. You will be able to make calls on your new AT&T handset but will continue to receive calls on your old handset until the number transfer is complete. Once AT&T receives confirmation, your activation will be complete, allowing you to make and receive calls on your AT&T handset. Your old service provider will be notified that you have activated service with AT&T and will automatically cancel your account.
• Order online: AT&T will send a number transfer request to your current service provider and wait for confirmation to transfer the number. Once transfer confirmation is received your AT&T phone will be shipped. Your existing phone will continue to work until you receive your AT&T phone and activate it. Once your AT&T account is activated, your old service provider will be notified of your new service with AT&T and will cancel your account.

Q. How do I check the status of my current number transfer?
A. Visit to check your transfer status.

Q. Do I need to cancel my current service?
A. No. The number must be in active service in order to be transferred. Your old service will be canceled automatically as part of the transfer process.

Q. What is mixed service?
A. When obtaining your new AT&T handset at an AT&T retail store, the sales representative can immediately activate the phone for outbound calls. However, you will continue to receive calls on your old handset until the transfer is complete. For more information, see How does a number transfer work? listed above.

Q. Can I use my current phone or do I have to buy a new one?
A. An AT&T SIM card is required. However, the purchase of a new AT&T handset is not required as long as you have one that is compatible with the AT&T network.

Q. If I order a new AT&T phone, how quickly will I receive it?
A. AT&T will overnight ship your new cell phone once a "confirmed" transfer response from your current service provider has been received. For a wireless transfer, you will typically receive your equipment within 3 to 5 business days from the date the transfer process started. If you are transferring a wireline number, it will take a minimum of 5 business days.

Q. What is a confirmed response?
A. A "confirmed" transfer response means that your current service provider has received the request and verified that all of the transfer request information matched their records. This confirmation serves as permission to transfer your number. Your number transfer cannot proceed and your AT&T handset cannot be shipped until AT&T receives a confirmed response.

Q. How long does it take to complete a number transfer?
A. A Wireless number transfer initiated through a physical AT&T sales location typically completes within 1 to 3 business hours if there are no issues. If equipment has been ordered, the process typically takes 3 to 5 business days to allow time for shipment. Transferring a wireline number takes a minimum of 5 business days.

Q. If I change my mind, what do I need to do to cancel the number transfer?
A. Call the Port Activation Center at 888-898-7685 for assistance.

Q. How will I know if there is an issue with my number transfer?
A. In most cases, if there is an issue you will receive a phone call from the AT&T Port Activation Center requesting additional information. If you receive a message from AT&T, it is very important that you respond as quickly as possible. AT&T cannot continue the transfer process until the issue is resolved. If you do not hear anything within 24 hours, you can check your number transfer status online. If further assistance is needed, you may call 866-895-1097 to check the status of your number transfer.

Source: www.att.com