I tried searching for this topic but couldn't find one...

I currently have the storm for verizon and absolutely hate it. My buddy gave me his old curve but its alltel. Since verizon bought altell, can I unlock it or simply transfer my number/how do I go about it??

As of right now, Verizon still will not activate an Alltel device on the Verizon network. I had heard that Verizon planned to allow non-VZW phones to be activated but nothing ever became of it.

All CDMA carriers follow this rule of not activating a device they did not originally sell. Even if they do sell that same model, if a carrier didn't sell that particular one they won't allow it on their network.