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What you need to know
Porting your mobile number simply means you are transferring your existing number with a new phone provider.
Do not cancel your current mobile plan before your number has been transferred to your new plan.
It usually takes up to 2 business days for porting to be complete.
How do I keep my mobile number?
Before we dive into the steps, there are 2 important things to remember when you're looking to port your number to a new provider.
Do not cancel your existing mobile plan before your number's been ported and you've received confirmation. If you do, you could lose your number.
Make sure the number is under your name. If it's not, you will need to request a change of ownership first.
To transfer your mobile number to a new plan:
1. Confirm the number is under your name
You won't be able to port your number unless you have ownership of it. If it is, you're good to go.
2. Buy your new SIM
Simply buy your new SIM either online or in-store to begin the activation process.
During sign-up, you'll receive a request to 'keep my existing number' or wording similar to this. Select this option and your new provider will handle the rest.
Good to know: Rules set by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) state that a provider must allow you to port your number to another service if you request this. If your old provider refuses to let you go, you're within your right to complain.
3. Wait for porting to complete
Once you've received confirmation that your number has been ported from your new provider, your old plan will automatically be cancelled.
This can take between a few hours to 2 days. In rare cases, it can take up to a week.
Remember to pay off any final bills.
Can I use my old SIM while porting?
You should be able to use your old SIM until your number is ported.
There are a few things you should keep in mind of:
Make sure you've activated your new SIM once your number's been ported. Otherwise, you won't be able to make calls and texts.
Once you've received confirmation that your number's been ported, pay off any pending bills with your old provider.
Oftentimes, your last bill will be finalised after a few days but you won't be charged extra. That's because your old plan gets automatically cancelled once porting is complete.
Good to know: In case you run into any trouble activating your new SIM, you will still be able to browse, stream, WhatsApp and more using Wi-Fi.
Compare mobile plans for a better deal
Haven't decided which plan you're going to transfer your number to? You can check out the latest mobile deals in our comparison table below.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
We've researched and reviewed hundreds of phone plans to make our guides as helpful as possible. Our experts can be seen across TV, print and digital media.
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Our product database of 52 providers is updated daily with the latest mobile deals in Australia. Our guides are regularly reviewed and fact-checked.
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Since 2015, we've helped over 1.2 million people find the right mobile plan by explaining features clearly and simply. We're here to help you make a decision.
Frequently asked questions
"Porting" your number means transferring it from one mobile phone plan to another, so that you can keep your current mobile number, even if you switch providers.
If the mobile number isn't under your name, you will need to fill out a transfer of ownership form through your current provider.
It will require identification documents and consent from both the current account holder and the person taking ownership. Use our guide to transferring ownership to get started.
There's no real way to check where you are in the porting process. Generally, you'll be notified when the process starts and again when it's all finished.
Yes, it does. Once your number's been successfully ported, your service will be cancelled automatically.
Absolutely. Numbers can be ported between any kind of mobile service.
Most telcos in Australia will let you port your number to another provider for free, however this isn't always the case. Some mobile providers like TPG and Southern Phone will charge a port-out fee for customers who switch providers, so make sure you read the T&Cs whenever you're signing up to a new phone plan.
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Get up to 65% off on SIM only plans and $500 off on popular phones.
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Spend no more than $30 for 6 months on your mobile plan.
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Mariam Gabaji is an editor and tech and utilities expert at Finder with over 11+ years of experience in print and digital media. Her main goal is to help households cut through the industry jargon and save money on their household bills. Her expertise is often featured in media including the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, 7News, A Current Affair, The Guardian, SBS and Money Magazine.
I already have a mobile phone, with no service and I am finding it difficult to get the right plan for me. 1).I can pay up to $50 per month. 2) need unlimited national calls. 3) Have access to internet.
You can use our mobile phone plans comparison table to help you find the plan that suits you. The page can also be filtered further by company, cost, usage type, and others for your convenience. Hope this helps!
Global roaming service varies widely among the service providers in Australia. We have listed some of the roaming prepaid providers on our website. Open that link and on the same page, you will find the rates they charge for a specific destination/country.
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I already have a mobile phone, with no service and I am finding it difficult to get the right plan for me. 1).I can pay up to $50 per month. 2) need unlimited national calls. 3) Have access to internet.
Hi Fay,
Thank you for leaving a question.
You can use our mobile phone plans comparison table to help you find the plan that suits you. The page can also be filtered further by company, cost, usage type, and others for your convenience. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
An important consideration in selecting a provider is if international roaming is available, and in what countries. I go overseas each year.
Hi Den Den,
Thanks for your question.
Global roaming service varies widely among the service providers in Australia. We have listed some of the roaming prepaid providers on our website. Open that link and on the same page, you will find the rates they charge for a specific destination/country.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May