When you move to a new location, you much change many accounts associated with your address. One factor you do not necessarily have to change is your cell phone number. Sometimes, though, you might find it advantageous to obtain a new number that reflects your new area code, as this gives a local number so that residents of your area are not charged long distance rates to call you. According to the New York Times, area codes also give people a sense of location identity. To change your cell phone area code, your new location must have a different area code from your prior one.
Instructions
Changing Your Area Code for Companies that Require a Completely New Number
1. Call your cell phone provider's customer service center from your new area code location, but make sure that you call from a phone other than the cell phone whose area code you wish to change.
2. Explain to the customer service representative that you would like to update your cell phone number to reflect your new address by gaining a local cell phone number, thereby changing your area code.
3. Listen the customer service representative explain any terms and conditions to you as well as how long it will take for the number change to take effect.
Changing Your Area Code Only
4. Dial your cell phone provider's customer service menu, and follow the prompts within the automated menu to navigate to the "Change Your Area Code" menu.
5. Input your ESN number when prompted, which you can find on the back of your phone, usually under the battery.
6. Enter your zip code when prompted, which indicates the region in which you now reside; the region in which you reside determines your new area code.
Tags: cell phone, your cell, your cell phone, customer service, area code