[Hidden-tech] Cable/telephone question

[Jeff Brand]

Phone number portability is easier with wireless providers because it's 
mandatory. I think it may have to do with the larger regional presence 
and the fact that numbers aren't historically associated with immovable 
copper wires, unlike landlines.

 From what I've read, it looks like landlines must be within the same 
rate center for portability to be possible/required. As Robert said, 
crossing those boundaries makes things iffy - and not mandatory.

Here are a couple links that got me started:
http://www.fcc.gov/guides/portability-keeping-your-phone-number-when-changing-service-providers
http://www.npac.com/number-portability/how-lnp-works

Eventually I learned about localcallingguide.com. It's got lots of 
interesting data including confirmation, if I read it correctly, that 
your rate center doesn't reach to Amherst. 
http://www.localcallingguide.com/lca_prefix.php?npa=413&nxx=323

Unfortunately, the "best" solution may be to hop to some other provider 
(Google Voice, Vonage, etc.) who will port that number and let you 
forward it, as you suggested. Kludgy and possibly dangerous in that a 
discontinued service may take your number with it.

Best of luck.
  - Jeff