It looks like certain AT&T customers are currently facing a problem with their mobile phone numbers. According to a report, some AT&T subscribers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are losing their mobile phone numbers.
Apparently, the problem started in 2019 when AT&T sold its mobile business in these two markets to Liberty. Fortunately, some subscribers with those area codes who used their devices in the U.S. mainland were able to continue using their device. But this won’t last too long, though, since AT&T is advising these customers to change their phone numbers. In return, they will be given a $100 Visa Reward card. They will also receive a refund for their number change fee.
The reason behind this is because AT&T is no longer able to provide phone numbers to their customers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These numbers will be allocated to AT&T subscribers based in the mainland U.S.
“Since the sale of our wireless operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, we are only authorized to use those territories’ phone numbers as part of a temporary arrangement. We have started to transition a small number of customers who will need to change their wireless numbers to mainland area codes. We realize this is an inconvenience, so we’re offering these customers a $100 Visa gift card and crediting any number change fees.”
The wireless carrier shares that only a small number of customers are affected by this number change. Former AT&T customers in these markets have also made the switch to Liberty.
AT&T has sent out an email to affected customers informing them of the change.
“Hi (name of customer). We want to let you know that we will no longer be able to support your wireless number ending in xxxx in the future due to the recent sale of AT&T Wireless in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While this means that you will need to change your current wireless number to a mainland number to stay connected, we’re here to help.”
The good news is, affected customers do not need to accept AT&T’s offer right away. But the reality is that the change will be happening soon and this offer could lose its value.
