What is required to obtain a residential phone number?

In addition to the requirements of residency and access to a either a landline or wireless service, phone companies often require customers to set up an account, buy a phone plan and have it set up in order to obtain a residential phone number. Details vary according to company.

For residential phone service customers, Verizon requests contact at least five days before move-in. Verizon, as well as AT&T and several other providers, enable users to order new residential services online. Although a central office can establish some new connections, new residential phone services sometimes require on-site installation at which the presence of the homeowner may be requested.