Getting Back Our Old Tel #

I had bell south service since 1997 and tel # was 7045040201. That was a great number and I had it for all my contacts and business. Over the time on closing of bell south and advent of voice on Internet etc. This number remained with us throughout till Nov 2010 when I had to move out of USA for about six months. On my recent return I resumed my tv, Internet and tel service and was shocked to find I could not get my old tel number back because it was inactive for more than a month. I have been going out of USA for three months and never had this problem. I have been advised by many agencies to contact Bell South, the original issuer of this tel #, who could do something. I am approaching you now if you could help me. This is extremely important. By the way this number is still inactive and is not under use by any one. My name on old service with you is," Muhammad T Tareen, my account number with you was 704 504 0201 584 3192, My pin was 2831 I am waiting anxiously for your response. Thanks