The interweb and the blogs get quiet on Saturday afternoon, so it seemed like an ideal time for a “Saturday Random Doodle” post. I have been having an internal debate about something so random, but so related to those of us who think of ourselves as travelers that I had to post about it. Our smart phones are integral to travel, and I am attached to mine.
I’ve had the same area code 202 mobile phone number since 2000. Thirteen years is a long time with a telephone number, but the truth is that I no longer live in DC, and there’s a less than 50 percent chance that I am ever going back. In short, I’m thinking about changing my cell phone number to something more Atlanta-centric, but I’m having a hard time parting with my 202 number. Our AT&T contract is coming up for expiration, and I am 99.8 percent certain that we are switching to a different cell phone provider. It’s an ideal time to switch phone numbers yet I think I’m going to keep my old one.Have you faced a similar decision as a result of a relocation? What did you do? Thanks for listening to my “random doodle.”
We kept our 703 numbers when we moved to New Jersey…there are so many area codes in Northern New Jersey/NYC area that it didn’t seem worth the hassle to change them.
I think you can have both! I have a good friend who has his old number auto send to the new one. But, when he calls out, it is always the NEW one. 🙂
@MJ: Unless there is something wrong with your current cell number, (bad number combination or spells something you dislike) KEEP the damn thing. Points to remember…
There was a day when your Area Code and even prefix said something about you; that’s no longer the case – it is just a freaking number.
You already know that you can ‘port’ the number to (almost) any carrier of choice, with or without a new cell contract.
I don’t recall how long you’ve had that number, but I’ll assume that most of your current/important contacts have it in their own phones, so why make it hard on them? In most cases (excepting perhaps our grandparents, you and your number are just a NAME on a screen to highlight and push SEND.
The only downside that I can think of is the possibility of TOLL CHARGES billed to your new local contacts when calling from their local land line in ?Atlanta? to a DC (AC 202-based) cell number. It may annoy a few, but we don’t know how you actually use your cell phone. If your personal contacts have already migrated to 90% cell use, not the land line, it is not an issue. Unless this is a significant potential problem, I’d say keep the number. OTOH, if the majority of your incoming calls are from your new city – and placed from land lines, a New, New City Number may be a better choice.
**After you’ve made your decision, please let us know what you chose and why.**
@Papa Smurf
Very few (any?) grandfathered “unlimited” data plans are actually unlimited anymore. ATT throttles after 3/4GB depending on the connection type. Making keeping it a PITA if you need data. Granted there are enough up and coming pay as you go data providers that this shouldn’t be an issue. Using them, and making a conscious effort to use wifi whenever possible, I’ve cut my data usage on my cell phone by 2GB or so a month.
One thing to consider is that changing your phone number is likely to require new contract. This might not make sense if you’re grandfather on some old data/voice plan that’s no longer offered.
I’ve had the same cell phone number since 1995 – it is so easy to remember that it is perfect for me. With everyone having free long distance I don’t think it is a problem. If you like your number, keep it.
I think it is time to change it if you plan to stay in the area.
If local people want to call you from a land line ( yes, some folks still have these!), it is a Long Distance phone call for them.
@Sam: I’ve actually had companies not call me for work because my area code placed me 2 hours away with traffic. It’s petty and stupid, but the idea that I was far away kept them from wanting to work with me.
Google Voice seems to be the best idea. Port the number, get a new one, and just forward the old one to your new number. If you have an android phone, you can even set it up to give you the option to call “using” that number.
Don’t change it. That number is now a part of your identity. I know lots of people who have area codes no where near where they actually live.
keep the same number! Why go through the hassle of changing if you don’t need to! Is it really going to matter if you have an Atlanta area code or not?
@mwwalk, now there’s an idea!!! Maybe even GOMJ or MJGO. 😀
I wouldn’t switch unless there is a cool number you can get like 404-555-MJMJ.
My suggestion would be to port the 202 number to Google Voice ($25) so that you get to keep the number.
I see no reason to change it. I always give people a full ten digit number, and in Atlanta where you are they probably require 10 digit dialing anyway.
If I move to a new city where I plan to establish roots I change the number, but if I just move to another area code in the same urban area, I keep it. My gut feeling, following your blog, is that it’s time to move on.