[Steve_in_SB]

Call Verizon... It was AT&T that didn't tell you that there are two ways to keep your existing #. You can go back in, reinstate that line for the balance of the contract (just paying the monthly line fee) with a new #. (doesn't even need a phone for it) and Verizon will reverse the early termination fee. Don't need to yell and scream, they will take care of it.

How do I know...? Made the same mistake myself. Let my daughter change her line to AT&T, thinking that my contract was up. Wasn't....so after getting that large bill for early termination. (they do send you a letter explaining, with a number to call if you have questions.) I called, they were good about it.

Good luck