Changing area code but not phone number

[cmcc1229]

Hi!

I would like to change my area code to my nee province (902) but keep my existing phone number. I tried the “change my phone number” section in My Account but you have to change the phone number at the same time no option to just change the area code. Any assistance is appreciated 🙂

Thank you!

[computergeek541]

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@dust2dust wrote:

Call the number. Dial 1 902 ### #### (your seven digits) and see if someone answers. If not then you need to figure out who "owns" it as asked above. Then if someone is holding it while inactive. Then go to that provider and see if you can activate an account using that number. Now you have the number. Then you can port it over here if you like.

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In the rare chance (I admit that it's very unlikely) that the number is available, that  doesn't necessarily mena that the number can be ported over to Public Mobile. Standard number portibility rules/guidelines apply and it the number is from a rate centre (city) that Telus Mobility doesn't normally offer phone numbers for, the number wouldn't be portable to Public Mobile.

[dust2dust]

Call the number. Dial 1 902 ### #### (your seven digits) and see if someone answers. If not then you need to figure out who "owns" it as asked above. Then if someone is holding it while inactive. Then go to that provider and see if you can activate an account using that number. Now you have the number. Then you can port it over here if you like.

[Meow]

This cannot be done. You will have completely to change your phone number if you want your new province's area code. PM does not have unlimited number of phone numbers 😞

[esjliv]

@cmcc1229 - all in market plans are canada wide calling, so you should have no issue calling within Canada if you move amongst provinces on these plans. Unless, you are concerned other people may be experiencing long distance charges when they call you within the new location you are moving to; that could be the case for people.

I'd be nice if all of Canada was Canada wide calling, but I know there still is not for some people/plans/providers.

[darlicious]

@cmcc1229 

The 902 area code encompasses Nova Scotia and PEI. It would be extremely difficult to get the last seven digits the same as your current phone number because telus is not the dominant provider in the maritimes. Bell and EastLink would have a greater variety of exchanges to be able to possibly get the first three digits after the area code.

You would have a better chance of getting the last four digits of your phone number and then something close or similar to the three digit exchange.

But as requested by @softech if you do give us the three digit exchange we can look up what is available in that area code that is close to your phone number or maybe you might luck out and they have the same exchange.

Then it would be a matter of refreshing phone numbers in your change number feature of your self serve account until you get offered something close. You can change numbers up to four times every 30 days. If you are persistent it may pay off in the end.

[softech · Accepted solution]

@cmcc1229 

No, this is likely cannot be done

First, carrier no longer helps customers to get specific number. 

Also, when you change a number Public Mobile can only assign you numbers that belongs to them.  the new area code with your other 7 digits might not even belongs to Public Mobile or Telus as all, so they might not be able to help even they want to

What is the  next 3 digits  after area code 902 you want to have?  I can see if it belongs to PM/Telus.  But even if so, you have to check if the number is assigned, and then use the change number "lottery" to keep refresh and hope to see it comes out as a choice