mbe3204m wrote: ... Also, how does one keep one's number if one is to cancel current service?  If I say "I want to take my number with me to another provider" does Verizon give you any grief over it?  How does that even work?  My first & only cell number was with Verizon back in 2000, so this is all new territory for me.

To take your number to another provider, you go to that other provider, and ask to PORT your number from Verizon.  DO NOT cancel service from Verizon, as that will cancel your number!  Start service with the new provider, PORT your number, and the port process will result in your account at Verizon being cancelled. 

If you have time left on your contract, there will be an ETF for the Verizon line; you'll receive a final bill for the final month of service on Verizon.  It may take a few days for the port to be fully functional, calls and texts may be glitchy for a few days.