I just did a test run-through on the AT&T site with buying a regular iPhone 4, and they have a "transfer your current number" option, which they check automatically during the process.
Apparently, if it does pass the # check, not only will it transfer the number when you activate the new iPhone, it'll automatically cancel your current pre-paid phone plan in one step.
So you don't have to call AT&T to cancel your pre-paid plan after you sign up for the iPhone 4 data/calling plans - it'll happen automatically when your number is transferred during the activation.
(At least that's how it looks to me)
But, I'm not sure if this will be the same case Friday when trying to Pre-order the iPhone 4S.
Frequently Asked Questions about Transferring Your Number to AT&T
Q. Can I switch to AT&T but keep the phone number I already have from another carrier?
A. Yes, it's possible to keep the number you already have from another wireless, wireline, or VoIP carrier. During checkout, we'll check to see if your existing number is eligible for transfer to AT&T. If it is, then all you need to do is provide us with some information about your current phone service account. We'll do the rest to make the transfer happen.
Q. Will my current phone service continue to work until I get my new phone?
A. Yes, your current phone service will continue to work as usual until you receive your new phone from AT&T and follow the included instructions to activate it.
Q. Do I need to cancel my current service?
A. No. The number must be in active service in order to be transferred. Your old service will be canceled automatically once you receive your new device from AT&T and activate your new AT&T phone service. Note that inactive numbers may pass the transfer eligibility check, but if the number isn't active, the transfer to AT&T won't occur.
Q. What do I need to do to transfer my number to AT&T?
A. When you complete the checkout information form online, we'll ask you for some information about your current phone service account. We recommend you have a recent bill from your current service provider handy for quick reference.
You'll need to know:
- The billing address associated with your current provider account
- Your current account number, usually located on the top left corner of your bill
- Your password or Personal Identification Number (PIN) for your current account. This is not the password for logging in to their website to manage your account - it's the special word they ask you to help identify you over the phone. Not all accounts have this password or PIN, but if you have a prepaid account, yours may. If you can't remember this information, you can call your current service provider for help.
We'll walk you through the process of transferring your number(s) and assigning them to your new AT&T line(s) of service after we process your checkout information. Note that AT&T will contact your current service provider to complete the transfer. You don't need to do anything else once you've given us your information. The information you provide must exactly match your current service provider's records. If there is a mismatch in the data, the transfer will be delayed.
This is for the current iPhone 4 sold on the AT&T site. Not sure if it works with existing Pre-paid phone #s or with the new iPhone 4S.
I ASSUME it would, but who knows.
