I'm pretty sure that it is a thing. It's a result of some fraudulent companies switching service on people that didn't want to or agree to it. There are also some identity thieves out there that will port your number if they can, so that they can get around the dual authentication thing that sends you a text when someone tries to access your bank account.
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This is from Verizon. Aren't they one of the "big 4?"
What is number lock?
If a scammer gets your personal information, they could transfer your mobile number to another carrier. This may be referred to as an unauthorized port out. Then, they could get your calls and texts to take control of other accounts, like banking and social media.
You can set up a Number Lock for free to protect your mobile number from an unauthorized transfer. Once a lock is set up for a number, that number cannot be ported to another line/carrier unless you remove the lock.
You can set up a Number Lock in the My Verizon website and app or by calling Customer Service at *611.
Note: Number Lock on your mobile number does not help prevent SIM card changes or equipment changes.
What is number lock?
If a scammer gets your personal information, they could transfer your mobile number to another carrier. This may be referred to as an unauthorized port out. Then, they could get your calls and texts to take control of other accounts, like banking and social media.
You can set up a Number Lock for free to protect your mobile number from an unauthorized transfer. Once a lock is set up for a number, that number cannot be ported to another line/carrier unless you remove the lock.
You can set up a Number Lock in the My Verizon website and app or by calling Customer Service at *611.
Note: Number Lock on your mobile number does not help prevent SIM card changes or equipment changes.
Sounds optional. They don't do it by default. I've came and went from Verizon over the years and have never encountered a lock on my number.
All you generally need is your phone number, account number, and your account PIN number to port.
From the FCC: "Once you request service from a new company, your old company cannot refuse to port your number, even if you owe money for an outstanding balance or termination fee."
Porting: Keeping Your Phone Number When You Change Providers
If you're switching service providers and remaining in the same geographic area, you can keep your existing phone number. This process – often referred to as phone number porting – can be done between wireline, IP and wireless providers.
They can't refuse you, but they can refuse the request from another company until they have verified that you want it, rather than someone attempting to get around dual authentication.From the FCC: "Once you request service from a new company, your old company cannot refuse to port your number, even if you owe money for an outstanding balance or termination fee."
Porting: Keeping Your Phone Number When You Change Providers
If you're switching service providers and remaining in the same geographic area, you can keep your existing phone number. This process – often referred to as phone number porting – can be done between wireline, IP and wireless providers.www.fcc.gov
Once again, unless you have specifically requested that lock, then they don't refuse it. If you have evidence to the contrary, then please present it. I've been porting numbers for literally years and have never once been refused a number port, and have never once had a company suspend a port request without my authorization.
Less than 3 weeks ago I took my number from Verizon to ATT and wasn't required to provide any authentication.
What he said. It's a Port Freeze, then your company isn't refusing a port, you are till you lift the freeze.
I didn't think anyone was saying differently. You had said you never heard of a port lock that prevents a number being ported. You were only thinking by the Company itself, the answer was a global answer that such thing does exist and there is a circumstance where the Company will deny the request.
But you always pay your bills
I don't think they can refuse the port even if you don't pay your bills, unless your service has been disconnected
Phone companies do wierd things when you owe them money...once you are gone its harder to collect
This exactly. Where did I ever say that this wasn't optional or didn't have to be requested. I have pointed out that it exists after posts seemed to not be aware of it.
Good grief...
Trying to help the OP understand that Boost shouldn't be holding his number hostage unless he put the number lock in place himself
I thought he said that they would release it within a couple of days of his asking them to, so it shouldn't be a problem. Maybe sometime in the past someone at Boost asked him if it wanted this protection and he said yes?
