Not if you change your number to a different phone exchange. Suppose you're in Waterloo and your number is 519-886-nnnn. You move to London where it would cost LD to people there who call you on that number. SO will give you a new number in London, e.g. 519-661-mmmm at no cost.

> are you simply assigned another number from their available pool?

Yes.

> do you get a choice of a couple of numbers offered to you?

No, but you could try to sweet talk them into it

> also, can you ask for an area code (in two-code areas like 416/647)?

It's always free to ask but there are no guarantees they will be able to accommodate you.

BTW the best way to get authoritative answers to these sorts of questions is to call SO CS and ask them.

when you call to request a new number, what is the process? are you simply assigned another number from their available pool? do you get a choice of a couple of numbers offered to you? or does paying the fee let you ask for a particular number (assuming it is in their available pool of numbers)? also, can you ask for an area code (in two-code areas like 416/647)? thanks!