Wireless Number Portability

You can take it with you. Keep your previous phone number when you switch to MetroPCS.

MetroPCS offers Wireless Number Portability (WNP) in all MetroPCS markets. Our goal is to make transitioning your number as smoothly as possible. Below are some questions and answers that that may help you better understand WNP.

What is Wireless Number Portability?

Wireless Number Portability (WNP) allows you to take your previous mobile number with you when you switch to MetroPCS.

MetroPCS offers WNP in all markets.

How much does it cost?

MetroPCS does not charge a fee for processing the transfer of your number to MetroPCS. However, MetroPCS does recover its costs for such transfers through a monthly charge to all customers.

Why did my WNP / Regulatory Programs Fee increase to $1.40?

The WNP / Regulatory Programs Fee is a charge to recover or help defray costs incurred by MetroPCS in complying with Wireless Number Portability, Telecommunications Relay Service, and various other regulatory mandates. Our costs of complying with such mandates have increased and MetroPCS is adjusting the WNP / Regulatory Programs Fee accordingly.

How do I qualify for WNP?

If the area code of your current cell number is in the MetroPCS coverage area, you will be able to transfer your number to MetroPCS.

Can I bring any cell phone to MetroPCS for WNP?

Only MetroPCS phones will work on the MetroPCS network. You will need to purchase a phone in a MetroPCS store or bring a MetroPCS phone you purchased at one of our authorized dealers to a MetroPCS store.

How long does it take to transfer my number?

Our goal is to transfer your mobile number to MetroPCS within a few hours. However, if there are any delays from your current wireless carrier, the transfer process could take longer. In addition, landline transfers typically take longer to process from your existing landline carrier.

MetroPCS is committed to making the transfer of your number as seamless and timely as possible.

Should I deactivate my old service before bringing my old number to transfer?

No. The porting process requires the wireless phone number to be an active phone number. Once the number has been approved for transfer, your old number and account will be deactivated.

Can I dial emergency numbers, such as 911, during the WNP process?

MetroPCS does everything possible to make sure 911 calls are minimally impacted by WNP. However, the public safety dispatch may not receive your accurate telephone number from your phone and therefore may not be able to ascertain your location or return your call in the event that your call is disconnected. Because of this, when you make a 911 call during the WNP process, immediately inform the emergency operator of your exact location. You will be able to make 911 calls on your old phone prior to the number being transferred.

How do I transfer my number to MetroPCS?

Porting your number to MetroPCS is easy! Visit your local MetroPCS store and bring a valid picture ID and the most recent wireless bill you received from your current service provider. Make sure your name and address are showing on the bill. Your MetroPCS agent will start your new account that day and you will receive a text message on your MetroPCS phone when the port process is complete.

Can I port a number for my friend, family member, or coworker?

MetroPCS requires that each new customer visit a MetroPCS store to provide their own identification and port their own number. This reduces the risk of someone else fraudulently transferring your number for you.

What are the WNP / Regulatory Programs Fee charged by MetroPCS?

The WNP / Regulatory Programs Fee is a charge assessed by MetroPCS and is not a tax or government-mandated charge. This charge is subject to change from time to time as the cost of compliance changes.

The purpose of the charge is to defray MetroPCS’s costs associated with payment of fees and compliance with various initiatives imposed by the government. Please note that costs may be incurred and charged prior to initiation of any of the respective services.

What are the Components of the WNP / Regulatory Programs Fee?

This charge is composed of the following elements:

  • Wireless Number Portability and Number Pooling
    This component is designed to recover the costs associated with the federal mandates of wireless number portability and number pooling:

            Wireless Number Portability (WNP)
            This enables customers to keep their wireless telephone numbers when they switch wireless
            service providers.

            Number Pooling
            This is a telephone number conservation method that helps to delay running out of numbers
            in area codes.

  • Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)
    This component is designed to recover the contributions that MetroPCS is required to make into the Federal TRS fund, as well as certain state TRS funds. These TRS funds are designed to assist hearing and speech impaired persons with making and receiving messages.
  • Federal Regulatory Fee
    This component is designed to recover the annual fee imposed on MetroPCS by the Federal Communications Commission. This fee is assessed by the Federal Communications Commission on each of the companies that it regulates.
  • Enhanced 911 (E911)
    This component is designed to recover the costs in certain states where E911 cost recovery for wireless carriers does not exist or exists in manner that only provides partial cost recovery. These E911 costs relate to government mandates requiring wireless carriers to deploy advanced technology to help emergency response agencies to better determine the location of the customer calling 9-1-1.
  • Other MetroPCS Surcharges
    This component is allows us to recover our costs with regard to specific government taxes or fees imposed on MetroPCS’s gross receipts and/or sales. The Other MetroPCS Surcharges are remitted by the MetroPCS to the government but are not mandated charges to the customer.