Can we choose our own mobile number?

Choosing Your Own Mobile Number: A Limited Option in the US

In the United States, the practice of customers selecting their own mobile phone numbers is not prevalent among major carriers. Instead, carriers typically assign phone numbers to customers randomly or sequentially. This approach differs from many other countries, where customers often have the flexibility to choose their own numbers.

There are several reasons why US carriers have adopted this policy. One is the sheer size of the mobile market. With over 330 million wireless subscribers in the US, it would be extremely difficult to ensure that every customer could get their preferred number. Additionally, carriers argue that random number assignment helps to protect customer privacy by making it more difficult for telemarketers and scammers to track down specific individuals.

However, some customers may still desire the ability to choose their own mobile numbers. Perhaps they have a particular number that is easy to remember or holds sentimental value. In such cases, customers have a few alternative options.

Third-Party Brokers and Services

A handful of third-party companies offer services that allow customers to purchase pre-selected mobile numbers. These companies typically acquire blocks of numbers from carriers and then resell them to individual customers at a premium. The cost of purchasing a number through a broker can vary depending on the number’s desirability and the company’s fees.

Number Porting

Another option is to port an existing mobile number from one carrier to another. If you already have a mobile number that you want to keep, you may be able to transfer it to a new carrier that offers the ability to choose your own number. However, this process can sometimes involve additional fees or restrictions, and it may not be available in all cases.

Custom Number Services

A few carriers, such as Google Fi, offer custom number services that allow customers to select a number from a limited pool of available options. These services typically come with an additional monthly fee.

Conclusion

While the ability to choose your own mobile number may be limited in the US, alternative options do exist for customers who are willing to pay a premium or go through the hassle of number porting or custom number services. However, it is important to note that these options are not widely available and may not be suitable for everyone.