How to switch phone carriers: A step-by-step guide
Switching mobile carriers can feel overwhelming, with contract cancellations, transferring phone numbers and account activations to manage. Still, many people transfer to a new mobile carrier to take advantage of better phone plan deals, improved coverage and reliable mobile services.
The switching process typically involves confirming that your smartphone is compatible with the new network, porting your number and activating the service with a new SIM card or eSIM. Astound streamlines these steps to help you move with minimal downtime while enjoying reliable mobile services and cost-effective phone plans.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to change wireless carriers, the average time it takes to transfer and offer tips for making the process affordable and hassle-free.
What you'll learn:
Reasons for switching phone carriers
There are various reasons why someone would want to change their mobile provider. Whether you’re looking for lower costs, better coverage or more reliable services, changing carriers can help you find a plan that better fits your needs. Some of the reasons people may opt to change include:
- Better phone plan deals: Wireless providers often offer promotions or competitive rates to attract new customers. Comparing different mobile phone deals based on your needs can help you find better value and lower your average cell phone bill.
- Improved coverage and speed: If you frequently experience poor signal strength, dropped calls or slow data speeds, switching to a carrier with a reliable 5G or 4G LTE coverage area in your location can improve your network experience.
- Reliable customer service: If your current wireless network’s customer service struggles to resolve issues quickly, switching to one with more responsive support can give you peace of mind.
- Device flexibility: Most providers support bringing your own device (BYOD) when switching carriers, which reduces upfront costs since you don’t need to buy a new smartphone to transfer
When is the best time to switch phone carriers?
Finding the proper time to change wireless networks also matters. Consider canceling your old service provider when:
- Your current agreement is ending, so you can avoid paying early termination fees when you transfer.
- There are promotional events that offer deals for switching phone carriers, including discounts on plans and smartphone upgrades.
- You are relocating and need a new cellular network that delivers strong coverage both locally and while roaming.
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How long does it take to switch providers?
The time it takes to transfer your phone service depends on the mobile provider’s terms and requirements. In most cases, the process takes a few hours, but it can extend to a couple of days due to delays. Having a plan before switching and understanding the timeframe can help avoid downtime.
Switching between major providers
Switching between the major carriers typically takes a few hours to complete. The process includes verifying your account details, porting your number and activating your new service. For a quicker transfer, provide accurate account information, confirm your phone is unlocked and compatible with the new network and clear any obligations tied to your plan.
Switching between MNVOs
Switching between Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), such as Astound Mobile, takes a similar amount of time as switching between the major carriers. The speed often depends on how quickly account information is verified and how soon the MVNO can port your number.
What factors affect switching time?
Several factors can influence how long it takes to change to a new cellular network.
- Mobile carrier policies and procedures: Each network has its own policies and procedures that may affect the switching time. Some carriers may require porting your PIN first or require you to provide specific account details first before allowing a transfer.
- Device compatibility and unlocking: Make sure you unlock your smartphone before activating a new cellular service to prevent delays. With an eSIM-capable mobile device, the activation process is typically faster, as it can often be done online or by scanning a QR code.
- Timing of the request: Transfer requests submitted during business hours are often processed more quickly than those made on weekends or holidays.
- Customer service quality: Mobile networks with fast and responsive support teams can help you troubleshoot issues quickly and prevent unnecessary delays.
Common delays when switching providers
Even with preparation, you may experience delays when moving to a new service provider. Being aware of some common issues can help you avoid unnecessary downtime.
Delays in phone number porting
Transferring your phone number can be delayed if your account information, such as billing ZIP code, SIM card PIN or the account password, doesn’t match your current records.
Submitting requests during off-peak hours, like early mornings, can help reduce wait time due to less traffic and shorter processing times.
Incomplete or incorrect information
Errors in your account numbers, passwords or other required details can lead to the cellular service rejecting your transfer, which can cause delays. Always verify your details before starting the transfer.
Device compatibility problems
Technical issues with your phone can cause delays. Ensure your device is in good working condition and compatible with the new network.
How do I check if my smartphone is compatible? If you bring your own device, ensure it’s unlocked. Then confirm compatibility by checking its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number against your mobile network’s system before activating the service.
How to avoid delays
To ensure your switching process is fast and hassle-free, follow these tips before initiating the transfer:
- Double-check your account details, including account number, phone number, porting PIN and the billing ZIP code before initializing the transfer.
- Unlock your device to prevent activation delays.
- Initiate the process on a weekday to avoid holiday or weekend backlogs.
- Watch for switching deals that may include assistance with activation, porting numbers or waived fees to speed up the process.
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Factors to consider before switching
Before you move to a new cell phone service, review the following factors that can affect your overall experience.
Cost
Consider potential fees on your existing plan and costs you may incur as you transfer to your new cell phone carrier. Some of these costs include:
- Early termination fees if you switch carriers before your current plan ends
- Outstanding bills or phone payments from your current plan
- Double payment for the same services by your old and new wireless providers if you transfer before the end of your current billing cycle
Some wireless providers provide switching deals and discounts that cover such costs for you, making it cheaper and easier to transfer services.
Coverage quality
Providers with strong, nationwide coverage ensure reliable services anywhere you go. Confirm that the new cell phone service provides solid signal strength in your home, workplace and the places you visit most often.
Astound provides a comprehensive network coverage map to help you confirm its strong 4G LTE and 5G coverage.
Data plan and usage
Assess your data usage and needs before you transfer to a new phone plan. Many wireless providers place caps on mobile broadband usage and charge overage fees or throttle speeds when you exceed the threshold. Heavy data users who frequently play online games, stream high-quality content or share large files may benefit from unlimited plans to avoid disruptions.
Astound provides various data plans, including unlimited, by the Gig and family plans to accommodate your needs and budget.
Customer support reliability
Reliable customer service can make a big difference whenever you need help. Read reviews to see how responsive the customer service teams are in handling billing, activations and technical questions. Astound takes pride in offering excellent customer service, ensuring you remain constantly connected and supported.
Bundling opportunities
Switching providers is also an opportunity to bundle services. Combining mobile with home internet and TV can unlock cost savings and may qualify you for switching deals that add more value.
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How to switch phone carriers to Astound Mobile
If you’re new to Astound Mobile, the process of switching is straightforward. Follow these steps to switch cell phone carriers to Astound with minimal downtime. If you already have an Astound account, check out how to upgrade to Astound Mobile quickly.
Step 1: Compare Astound plans
Start by exploring the different mobile plans Astound offers. You can choose from unlimited data plans, by the Gig options and flexible family plans. The family plans offer mix and match options where each family member can select the plan that fits their mobile phone usage and budget.
Step 2: Check your device compatibility
Astound makes it simple to confirm whether your phone is compatible with the network by providing a tool to check compatibility using your device’s IMEI number.
Step 3: Make sure your device is unlocked
If you plan to bring your own device, make sure it’s unlocked before activating Astound’s network. You can confirm this in your phone settings or contact your provider. If it’s locked, ask your provider to unlock it before switching.
According to the FCC, carriers might charge you a small price to unlock it if it’s locked. Once unlocked, follow Astound’s guide to activate your mobile phone on their network.
Step 4: Transfer your phone number
Can I keep my mobile phone number when I move to Astound? Yes. You can transfer your existing number to Astound through porting. Provide your account details and keep your existing service active until the transfer is complete to avoid delays.
Step 5: Activate your Astound Mobile account
Once your phone number is transferred and the mobile phone compatibility check is complete, you can activate your Astound Mobile account. The activation process is quick and can be done through the Astound app.
Step 6: Activate your SIM card or eSIM
Once your Astound account is active, activate your SIM card or eSIM. Astound offers both physical SIM cards and eSIM options to connect to the network. Most modern smartphones support both.
To insert a physical SIM card:
- Power off your device
- Insert the SIM card
- Restart your device
To activate your eSIM, scan the QR provided or follow the activation steps in Astound’s mobile app.
After activation, your phone automatically connects to Astound’s 5G network so you can enjoy reliable services right away.
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Tips to save money when switching phone carriers
Switching providers doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right approach, you can easily stay within budget. Some tips on saving when switching carriers include:
Bring your own device
One of the simplest ways to save money when switching is to bring your own device instead of purchasing a new phone. If your smartphone is unlocked and compatible, you can activate it with your new provider while avoiding paying high upfront prices or committing to a long-term financing contract.
Watch for switching deals
Many providers offer switch carrier deals to entice customers to transfer to them. These deals usually include bill credits or discounts when you sign up. Some carriers offer promotional deals that cover early termination fees or pay off your outstanding phone installment balance with your previous provider. Timing your move during these promotions can significantly lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
Use a savings calculator
Comparing your current cell phone plan against new plans helps you discover potential savings. According to NerdWallet, single plans now cost between $70 and $100 per month, while family plans range from $160 to $200, emphasizing the importance of comparing plans before switching.
Astound provides an easy-to-use mobile savings calculator that shows you what you could save by switching to Astound. Here’s how it works:
- Enter the number of lines you need
- Enter the amount of data you use on average monthly
- Enter your current service provider
- Enter your current monthly bill amount
- Click on VIEW SAVINGS to see how much you can save with Astound Mobile
If the calculator displays substantial savings, it’s an indicator that switching to Astound would be a smart financial move.
Time your switch wisely
Avoid overlapping charges for the same cell phone service by completing your move at the end of a billing cycle. In addition, timing the move to when your contract ends helps avoid early termination fees while taking advantage of seasonal promotional offers.
Why switch to Astound?
Astound makes the switching process hassle-free, value-driven and reliable. With flexible phone plans, dependable coverage and reliable services at an affordable price, here’s why switching to Astound is worth it:
Flexible plans
Astound offers unlimited plans, by the Gig options and customizable family plans. With the mix and match family plans, heavy users can choose unlimited data while kids or light data users can opt for by the Gig plans, giving every family member the plan that fits their needs.
Reliable nationwide 5G coverage
Astound runs on a nationwide 5G cellular network with reliable coverage and services that maintain your connection whether you are at home or roaming while on the go.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Astound’s BYOD program lets you activate the service on your current phone instead of purchasing a new one. Check for compatibility using your current mobile phone’s IMEI number, unlock the device if needed and transfer your number to complete your account activation.
Bundling options
Astound allows you to bundle mobile services with its fiber-powered home internet and TV into a single plan. We also offer multi-line discounts on family plans bundled with internet services, lowering the cost per line as you add more lines while simplifying billing and managing your services under one account.
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Conclusion
Switching mobile carriers may seem complicated, but with proper planning, it’s a straightforward process. Before making the move, assess your data needs, expected costs, the provider’s network coverage and their customer service reliability. Timing also matters, as switching at the end of your current contract or during promotions can reduce potential charges and unlock better phone plan deals.
Astound makes the process of switching easier. From selecting the right plan and checking device compatibility to unlocking your phone and preparing account details, you’ll be ready to transfer your number and activate the service with minimal downtime.
Furthermore, Astound helps you save money with bring your own device options, multi-line discounts on family plans and the ability to bundle mobile with home internet and TV. With flexible by the Gig and unlimited plans and reliable nationwide 5G coverage, Astound gives you a cost-effective, reliable and hassle-free alternative to other carriers.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my phone number when switching to a new carrier?
Yes, you can transfer your current number through porting. To avoid phone number transfer delays, keep your existing service active until the transfer is complete and have your account number, billing ZIP code and PIN or password ready.
How can I check if my phone is compatible with a new provider?
First, ensure your device is unlocked. Then check its IMEI number against the provider’s system. Most providers, including Astound, offer an online IMEI checker that instantly confirms if your mobile device is compatible and can be activated.
How long does it take to switch phone carriers?
In most cases, switching takes just a few hours to a couple of days if delays occur. Carrier policies and porting requirements, confirming device compatibility, the timing of your request and customer service responsiveness are some of the factors that can affect the time to switch.
Can I switch phone carriers if I still owe money?
Yes. However, you may need to pay outstanding balances or early termination fees. Some providers offer switch phone carriers deals and discounts that cover these costs to make it easier to move.
What happens to my old SIM card after switching?
Once your number is successfully transferred, your old SIM card is deactivated and will no longer connect to the network. You’ll receive a new SIM card or eSIM from your new provider for activation
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