Can I Suspend Service For A Few Months, And Keep The Same Phone Number

With a prepaid phone service like Net10, the length of time they will hold your number is pretty short.  You should be prepared to just buy enough minutes/days to keep the number active, if you're not going to be gone too long.  Another option would be to switch your number to a different service provider that offers fewer minutes but longer service time and use that to "hold" your number.  Page Plus costs $10 for 120 days and can activate an old Verizon phone for just a few dollars.  Find a dealer who offers an autopay plan (no extra charge), and you don't even have to worry about buying more airtime every 4 months.  Then you can switch your number back to Net10 if you want when you return.

You should be able to.  Contact your telephone service provider.