How long have you had your cell number?

When I joined Goodyear a few weeks ago, I looked into getting a company-issued mobile phone. Communications people always get phones, given that we deal regularly with media and a host of time-sensitive issues.

I almost didn't care what my options were, just so long as I could keep my phone number. I have had that number for nearly 21 years and have no desire to go through the hassle of changing it and letting everyone in my life know. It has been both my personal and professional number for the entirety of those 2+ decades.

Cell phones themselves are marvels of technology, but for my money, number portability (the ability to take your phone number with you from carrier to carrier, phone to phone, job to job, etc.) is right up there in terms of sheer brilliance.

I'm not even sure which is worse: changing your cell number or changing your email address. Either way, you're in for a lot of work and at least a little aggravation.

I'm happy to say that I was able to keep the number. In fact, Goodyear did something I didn't even know was possible: They gave me an iPhone XR, and through the use of a virtual SIM card, I was able to add a second line onto the phone.

So whether someone calls my longstanding personal number or my new Goodyear business number, the same phone rings.

Two lines, one phone.

I like it.