Verizon Question

[SC Minnie]

We have an extra line on our Verizon account that is phone only-- no data. Long story as to why. We can't cancel that line without penalty until Sept. Anyway, my mother wants a smartphone. DD has an iPhone with a broken screen that I want to get fixed and give to my mother. I want to add her to our plan but she wants to keep her old number.

Now to my question- Can I upgrade the extra line we have to data and change the number? Or will Verizon make me add a new line with the new number?

I want know what I'm up against before calling them.

 

[lucky978]

Not sure - you want your mom's phone number on that extra line? Probably best to call them. There is probably a way (if you get someone who actually is helpful on the phone).

 

[Happy Snowman]

Depends on who "owns" the phone number--which phone company. If it was a Verizon number to begin with, I think they can move the old phone number to the new phone without having to add a line. Chances are she can get a brand new phone for little to nothing though--and save the cost of fixing the Iphone.

 

[SC Minnie]

Yeah, she doesn't want to change her number. She has guardianship over her sister(my aunt) in a nursing home and doesn't want to deal with everyone not having her correct number.

 

[SC Minnie]

Depends on who "owns" the phone number--which phone company. If it was a Verizon number to begin with, I think they can move the old phone number to the new phone without having to add a line. Chances are she can get a brand new phone for little to nothing though--and save the cost of fixing the Iphone.

The flip phone she has now is a no contract phone with consumer cellular or something like that.

 

[lucky978]

I think the other poster is correct - probably easier to just upgrade that line to a data phone and get an older iphone (4S or 4C) for your mother. She can transfer the number even if it's from another carrier, as long as she provides the authorization. We did that with my mom years ago.

 

[Tozzie]

Depends on who "owns" the phone number--which phone company. If it was a Verizon number to begin with, I think they can move the old phone number to the new phone without having to add a line. Chances are she can get a brand new phone for little to nothing though--and save the cost of fixing the Iphone.

What do you mean who owns the number, years ago the FCC mandated number portability.

OP your mother can keep the number but weather you can add it to the existing phone line or if it will start as a new line you have to speak to verizon

 

[Happy Snowman]

What do you mean who owns the number, years ago the FCC mandated number portability.

OP your mother can keep the number but weather you can add it to the existing phone line or if it will start as a new line you have to speak to verizon

http://www.fcc.gov/guides/portability-keeping-your-phone-number-when-changing-service-providers

 

[scrapquitler]

We have an extra line on our Verizon account that is phone only-- no data. Long story as to why. We can't cancel that line without penalty until Sept. Anyway, my mother wants a smartphone. DD has an iPhone with a broken screen that I want to get fixed and give to my mother. I want to add her to our plan but she wants to keep her old number.

Now to my question- Can I upgrade the extra line we have to data and change the number? Or will Verizon make me add a new line with the new number?

I want know what I'm up against before calling them.

Based on my experience with Verizon, if you want to upgrade to something that is going to cost your more (in your case, adding a smartphone in place of a 'dumb' phone is an upgrade because it will cost more) they are more likely to work with you than if you want to downgrade to a less expensive option. They -might- make you add the 'new' line as an 4th line instead of replacing the third line. Depending on what the cancellation fee is and how much you are paying for that extra line you don't use, you might be better off cancelling and paying the fee (and it couldn't hurt to ask them to waive it if you are going to have to add a new and more expensive line in the process).

 

[SharonZ]

Yes, she can "port" her old number into the new phone.