6 Cheapest Ways to Keep a Landline Phone Number in 2022

The cheapest way to keep a landline phone number is to port it to a less expensive service, such as a mobile carrier or a VoIP provider. Rather than paying for a traditional landline, you transfer your existing number to a cheaper plan, which lets you set up landline phone service through a modern, low-cost alternative.

The cheapest way to keep a landline phone number: port it out

The most affordable method is not a specific provider but the process of porting your number to a cheaper service. Porting transfers your phone number from your current landline provider to a new carrier, such as a mobile or VoIP service. This allows you to keep your existing number while eliminating the high cost of traditional landline service.

Step 1: do not cancel your landline service

The critical first rule: your landline number must remain active throughout the entire porting process. If you cancel your landline service before the port is fully completed, you will lose the number permanently. Keep your old service running until the new provider confirms the transfer is done.

Step 2: choose a new provider and check compatibility

Select a new mobile or VoIP provider that meets your needs and budget. Before signing up, confirm that the provider accepts landline number port-ins. Some services, like Google Voice, notably do not accept landline port-ins, so verify compatibility upfront to avoid wasted effort. Canceling landline from a bundled service can make the remaining cable/internet subscription more expensive. Traditional landline replacement options include: AT&T Unlimited Nationwide Calling One plan at $25/month for residential non-business use only; CenturyLink Basic Home Phone at $24.25/month and Home Phone Unlimited at $60/month; Cox Voice Preferred at $20/month with 14+ calling features and unlimited US/Canada/Mexico calling; Spectrum Voice standalone at $29.99/month or bundled at $14.99/month; Verizon Fios Digital Voice at $20/month with call forwarding and voicemail-to-email integration; and Xfinity Voice Unlimited Saver at $20/month excluding fees and taxes.

Step 3: gather your landline account information

Your new provider will need specific details to process the port. Collect the following:

1. Your current phone number
2. Your landline account number (found on your latest invoice)
3. Your billing address on file with the old provider
4. A port-out or transfer PIN, if required
5. Any authorization documents, such as a Letter of Authorization (LOA)

Having this information ready speeds up the process and prevents delays.

Step 4: initiate the port with your new provider

Contact your new provider to start the transfer. They will handle the coordination with your old landline company. You do not need to call your old provider yourself, the new carrier manages the process. Keep your landline active until the new provider confirms the port is complete.

What if a service won't accept my landline number?

If your chosen VoIP service rejects landline port-ins, there is a documented workaround. First, port your landline number to a standard mobile carrier. Once the number is active on the mobile network, you can then port it from the mobile carrier to the VoIP service that accepts mobile numbers. This two-step process lets you reach providers that do not accept landline numbers directly.

How long does it take to port a landline number?

Landline ports can take longer than mobile-to-mobile transfers. The process often takes several days to a few weeks, depending on the providers involved. This reinforces the need to keep your old landline service active until the port finishes completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my landline number if I move to a different city?

Yes, number portability generally allows you to keep your landline number when moving, as long as your new provider serves that area. Check with the new carrier before starting the port to confirm local availability.

Will I lose my number if I accidentally cancel my landline before the port finishes?

Yes, canceling your landline service before the port is fully completed will result in permanent loss of the number. Always wait for confirmation from your new provider before disconnecting the old service.

Is there a fee to port a landline number?

Many providers charge a small porting fee, though some may waive it as part of a promotion. Check with your new carrier for any applicable fees before initiating the transfer.

Can I port a business landline number to a personal mobile plan?

Yes, business landline numbers can be ported to personal mobile plans, but you may need additional authorization from the business account holder. The process follows the same steps as a residential port.

Why keep a landline at all?

Landlines work through copper cables and don't require electricity, so they function during power outages. Emergency responders can track your home address associated with landline service for faster response. Landlines are senior-friendly tools requiring only picking up the handset and dialing. Landlines serve as a backup if your smartphone is stolen or missing.