Number porting problems with Boost

Not sure why they are saying you can't port your number to a CDMA phone? The CDMA/iDEN thing has to do with the network technology phones use. It shouldn't be a barrier to porting from TracFone to Boost, but...

Let me try and explain this. Sprint is the parent company of Boost. Boost is the prepaid counterpart of Nextel, which is also part of Sprint. Boost and Nextel use iDEN network technology. Sprint uses CDMA technology (for reference Verizon, former Alltel, MetroPCS, Cricket and US cellular also are CDMA). CDMA and iDEN are incompatible with each other. iDEN phones use a SIM (subscriber identity module) card, similar to what GSM network phones (AT&T and T-Mobile) use (TracFone uses SIM cards as well where they operate on a GSM network, but this is not everywhere). GSM and iDEN SIMs are not compatible with each other and neither are the phones. Confused yet? This is the network landscape of cell phones in the U.S. right now. Just wait, there are more confusing acronyms and network differences on the horizon...

Recently Boost has been offering CDMA phones in addition to iDEN. Being part of Sprint allows this, but apparently it sounds like Boost isn't prepared for ports to their CDMA phones.

I'd recommend calling Boost customer service and finding out more of what the deal is. Try Technical support or even a "Port" department, if they have one.

It doesn't make sense why they can't do the port unless there are technical issues, which sounds more likely as number porting has been around a long time, enough for stuff like this to have been worked out. Apparently Boost still has issues...

 

Sad to say Boost customer service leaves A LOT to be desired. Someone there should know what to do. I don't know why it's so hard for them to figure out how to make this work? Good luck, though.

 

The FCC has a page about the number porting process. It also tells you how to file a complaint if you are having troubles.

That page is here:

FCC: Keeping Your Telephone Number When You Change Your Service Provider

You could try threatening to file a complaint with the FCC. That might get them moving.

 

It is strange that they are giving you a run around about porting your phone #. It probably takes them an extra step since its originally an iDen phone # and don't feel like helping you , Just insist.

 

Actually his phone number from TracFone is not iDEN.

 

There is no such thing as an "IDEN phone #" or a CDMA phone number, or a GSM phone number. The number is belongs to the provider and per FCC's LNP terms you are able to port from any provider to another irrrespective of the type of technology used by the providers.

I myself had a T-Mobile (GSM) prepay number ported to Verizon (CDMA) and another Verizon number ported to AT&T (GSM) prepay and then to postpay, all done without any hiccups.

Too bad Boost is giving the OP such a hard time with this.

 

Is it possible there is no Sprint service in his area (he did mention he bought the phone 150 miles away)? There are some areas with "native" Sprint service that Boost CDMA does not offer service (though I thought these places were mainly in Kansas and Montana).

If iDEN is the only option for service, then it is possible the Boost rep was correct. If the boost rep was correct, there is the Motorola i456 with a full keyboard if you still want to go with Boost.

Now with that in mind, as was pointed out earlier, Boost customer service leaves a lot to be desired.

Page Plus is also a good prepaid option, they use Verizon's network. You can find info about them at www.pagepluscellular.com.

Just about any old Verizon phone will work on the service.

 

Thanks for the update. As I mentioned a couple posts earlier, Boost runs on two networks everywhere...the iDEN network (Nextel) and the CDMA network (Sprint), which as you have learned are not compatible. Up until about a month ago, Boost was pretty much iDEN only, with a few limited exceptions. Sprint decided to bring the Boost brand onto their CDMA network on a national basis only recently.

I am having some trouble understanding the specific issue though. You say you can get Boost CDMA service, but not for your prefix? Is the number you are looking to port from an exchange that is outside Sprint's coverage area?

As an example...I doubt you could port a number from a Yuma, AZ exchange to a carrier in Flagstaff, AZ if that carrier doesn't also cover Yuma. The two cities share an area code but are about 5-6 hours apart by car.

If the number you have from Tracfone comes from an exchange that is assigned in an area that Sprint does not offer service, they will be unable to port the number to Boost CDMA..

 

Got it, thanks for clarifying for me further. Glad you got it all worked out, even if it means you lose your number.

It is annoying to change numbers, but the good thing about being unable to port (in this case) is that you can keep your Tracfone active until your service expires and record a voicemail greeting informing callers to reach you at your new number.