How do I keep my old number

[Speed3]

I find this confusing.

I have an iPhone 4 with an AT&T contract.

I am eligible for an upgrade and have ordered an iPhone 5 from Apple.

What steps do I have to take to keep my old telephone number on the new iPhone 5?

I believe the answer from AT&T is nonsense:

Upon reviewing your account I have found the following information. In
order for you to utilize the iPhone 5 on your current phone number, you
must return the iPhone 4 you recently purchased. You will be charged the
restocking fee for the return. You must return it with the original
packaging to the location from which the device was purchased. I show
that you purchased the device at an Apple store.

They can also assist you with preordering an iPhone 5. Once they have
processed your return of the iPhone 4, it should allow them to pre-order
your iPhone 5.

Can anyone tell me how I go about keeping my old number when the new iPhone arrives?

Many thanks.

 

[denvergirl78]

I'm not with AT&T, so forgive me if this might be wrong, but I think it's probably fairly standard among carriers. It sounds like you're saying you're eligible for an upgrade on the same line you're buying the 5 for. If that's correct, you should be able to simply activate the new phone when you get it. Your number will then be connected to the 5 rather than the old one. The returning the phone thing makes no sense whatsoever...they may have just completely misunderstood your question or sent the wrong automated response.

 

[EvilJack]

You don't have to do anything. Just activate your new phone on your same account.

 

[SnapThrow]

Yeah that letter makers no sense. If you ordered your iP5 as an upgrade to your existing iP4, when you turn on the 5 and it goes through the setup steps it will activate/associate your existing number to the iP5.