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Suspending your phone service during Peace Corps

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The average phone plan in the United States is $80 a month…

With such a hefty price tag, it’s no wonder that many Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) choose not to keep their phone service during their time abroad.

But what about your phone number?

While it might seem like a minor detail, over time, you develop a connection with your phone number. It becomes part of your identity, and let’s face it, the thought of memorizing a new number—and updating it with everyone you know—can feel like too much of a hassle.

The good news is there are ways to keep your number while saving money. Many telecommunications providers offer suspension programs, though PCVs may face challenges qualifying. If those don’t work, services like Google Voice provide an affordable and reliable solution.

Here’s what you need to know:

Suspending Service with Major U.S. Carriers

Most major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint (now part of T-Mobile) offer “Military Suspension” programs. These allow customers to pause their service while keeping their phone number for free or a small monthly fee.

Unfortunately, Peace Corps Volunteers generally don’t qualify for these programs (AT&T calls us out directly) because the Peace Corps is not classified under the same criteria as active military deployment or federal government assignments.

What can you do instead?

  • Persistence Pays: Some volunteers have successfully negotiated suspensions by explaining their unique circumstances. Call your carrier, even AT&T and ask to speak to a manager or specialist who might have more flexibility.

  • Low-Cost Plans: If suspension isn’t possible, consider switching to your carrier’s cheapest available plan. Many providers offer prepaid or minimal service plans, which can cost as little as $15/month.

While suspending service with a carrier might work for some, it’s not always a smooth process. That’s where Google Voice comes in.

Google Voice: A Lifeline for Peace Corps Volunteers

Google Voice is a free service that lets you port your current phone number and use it for calls, texts, and voicemail—all over the internet. It’s a game-changer for Peace Corps Volunteers who want to stay connected without maintaining a full phone plan.

Benefits of Google Voice:

  1. Keep Your Number Forever: Porting your number ensures you’ll never lose it, even if you don’t have a traditional phone plan.

  2. Access from Anywhere: With Wi-Fi or data, you can send and receive texts and calls just like you would with a regular phone.

  3. Voicemail and Texts in One Place: Google Voice stores your messages and voicemails in your account, accessible from any device.

  4. No Monthly Bill: Once your number is ported, there’s no recurring cost unless you opt for add-ons like international calling.

How to Port Your Number to Google Voice

The process is straightforward, but there are a few steps to get it right:

  1. Check Eligibility:
    Not all phone numbers can be ported to Google Voice. Visit the Google Voice Porting Tool to confirm your number is eligible.

  2. Prepare Your Account:

    • Your phone number must remain active with your current carrier until the porting process is complete.

    • Have your carrier account number, PIN, and billing address handy (this information is required for porting).

  3. Initiate the Port:

    • Log into your Google Voice account.

    • Select “Port a Number” and follow the prompts.

    • Pay the $20 one-time porting fee.

  4. Wait for Confirmation:
    Porting usually takes 24-48 hours. During this time, your existing service will remain active. Once the process is complete, your phone number will be fully transferred to Google Voice.

  5. Update Your Contacts:

    • Once porting is complete, inform banks, employers, and key contacts that your number now operates through Google Voice.

For PCVs, Google Voice simplifies life: no monthly bills, no hassle of switching numbers, and reliable access to calls and texts. Plus, in emergencies or when you return stateside, your number will still be active and ready to use.

The Bottom Line

Peace Corps Volunteers have enough to think about—keeping a phone number shouldn’t be another stressor. Whether you negotiate with your carrier or embrace Google Voice, there’s a solution to fit your needs and budget while serving abroad.

Choose the option that works best for you and focus on what truly matters: your service and the adventure ahead.