vB Easy Archive - Custom phone number thru iTunes activation?

Pages: 1

Custom phone number thru iTunes activation?
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)

Posted by: zoomie66

I have a friend that had his t-mobile number changed to reflect the spelling of his business' name. So theoretically, requesting a custom phone number from AT&T should be possible.

Now, I'd like to purchase an iPhone and activate new service with AT&T with a new phone number. Is it possible to request a custom phone number through iTunes activation? I don't mean to port my existing phone number from my current t-mobile phone. I'd like a new number, as I'd like to give the tmo phone and its existing number to my son.

If the custom number isn't possible with iTunes activation, then is it possible to call AT&T after activation and then have the number changed?

Posted by: Red Setter

I dont think iTunes activation has that capability but I don't see why once activated a call to ATT can't have the number changed for you

Might just mean a getting a new sim since sims are bound to phone numbers

Posted by: stebe

I wasn't aware of the random generated number myself while activating, so I called ATT shortly after and inquired about it. They will change your number for you, but charge $36 each time. You get to choose the area code, but not the next 10 numbers. They generate the first three numbers and you get to choose from 10 sets. After that, they generate 10 more of the last four and you get to choose from that.

Posted by: Justin70815

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Setter

I dont think iTunes activation has that capability but I don't see why once activated a call to ATT can't have the number changed for you

Might just mean a getting a new sim since sims are bound to phone numbers

Hmm thats news to me. Last time i checked phone numbers were not bound to SIM cards. I have been through many different number changes with both prepaid and post paid accounts and never had to get another sim card. That information can be changed with an OTA update.

Posted by: zoomie66

Quote:

Originally Posted by stebe

I wasn't aware of the random generated number myself while activating, so I called ATT shortly after and inquired about it. They will change your number for you, but charge $36 each time. You get to choose the area code, but not the next 10 numbers. They generate the first three numbers and you get to choose from 10 sets. After that, they generate 10 more of the last four and you get to choose from that.

Thats disappointing to to hear. I guess what I'll do is go to a t-mobile store and sign up for a new Flexpay account, so I'm not under contract, and try to get a custom phone number that way. Then, when I get the iPhone, I can have the number ported to a new AT&T post paid account.

I've had service with both AT&T and T-Mobile in the past and generally been satisfied with both. So I don't mind making the switch back to AT&T, if only to avoid any potential bricking of an unlocked iPhone when Apple updates the firmware.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin70815

I was under the same impression as Justin. I guess the porting of numbers from one provider to another is just one example of numbers not being tied to a SIM.

Posted by: phoenixdown21

Try calling your local telephone company (the one that provides the landline service to your house) and ask them for a custom VANITY number with remote call forwarding at the CO pointed to your landline or cell number.

Once you have the number, keep it for a month or two, then try porting it out to your preferred cellular carrier.

** Some exchanges (212-???-12345) are handled by CLEC's (like legacy MCI or legacy ATT Local service or Vonage, your cable co, etc). If they have the exchange you want, you may need to ask them for a vanity number. You may need to talk to the business devision, not residental to get this setup.

edit: If you buy from the ATT store and explain what you are looking for, the ATT rep might be able to help you get the number you want and activate in the store. That would be the easiest choice.