Verizon will not give my old phone number. How do I get my old number?
fjparks
Newbie

I have Verizon FIOS at home and wanted to get cell phone service from them.

However I want my old phone number that I let go of a few years ago.

No one is using the number.

An internet search shows that Verizon has the number.

There is no valid technical reason they can't give me the number.

Is it true that they can't get me the number or was the sales person not knowledgeable?

How can I get my old number back?

Thanks,

fjparks

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Re: Verizon will not give my old phone number. How do I get my old number?
crimedoggies
Specialist - Level 1

When you gave up the number, it went into what is known as recycle status.  Verizon keeps the number out of circulation for a little while to try and prevent the new owner from getting calls intended for the old owner (those of you in denser markets may notice you sometimes will get somebody elses collection agencies calling you)

 

I don't remember the exact time frame, but about 2 years ago the FCC initiated a policy that wireless companies were no longer allowed to provide customers with Vanity numbers (their verbage for letting the customer pick their own number)  The carriers can only control the area code and prefix and then the computers assign the next available number.  The only way a customer can pick their number so to speak is if they already have it with another carrier and "port in". 

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Re: Verizon will not give my old phone number. How do I get my old number?
fjparks
Newbie

Thank you for taking the time to provide a response.

 

Does not leave my very happy as a customer. If the government wanted to do something helpful, they would come in a break up verizon and at&t.

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