How to keep old number with new iPhone

[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.

[rockmyplimsoul]

It sounds like the AT&T clerk completely misunderstood your situation. I would try again, because they should be telling you something like this:

When you get your new iPhone 5, before activating it you need to:

1- Sync your iPhone 4 to your iTunes, which should perform a backup.

2- Notify AT&T that you want to change your phone to a new one, which will de-activate your iPhone 4.

3- Now turn on the new iPhone 5 and connect with iTunes to complete the synchronization and activation processes.

4- Your phone will be activated to your current AT&T account, including your existing phone number, and your iPhone 5 will inherit your iPhone 4 settings and content (provided that you selected your iPhone 4 backup when activating the 5, and provided that the capacity of the new phone is at least as big as your iPhone 4).

I'm a Verizon user, so the exact process may differ for AT&T. In any case, what they told you above is completely wrong.

[Speed3]

Many thanks for that quick reply. I was hoping it would be something as simple at that.

Again, much appreciated.

[kornchild2002]

It is really that simple but you have to rely on the carrier. Luckily things aren't going to be much different than going through Verizon since you will not be able to transfer the SIM card from the iPhone 4 to the iPhone 5 (the iPhone 5 uses micro-SIM while the iPhone 4 used standard SIM). at&t will have to deactivate your old SIM card and activate the new one and associate it with your account.