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Read more…Porting your mobile number
Keeping your current mobile number is easy, with the entire process taking as little as 2 hours.
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Porting your mobile number simply means you're transferring your existing number with a new phone provider.
"Porting" is basically the same as transferring, where you get to keep your original phone number and take it either to a different network or a different provider.
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.
Frequently asked questions
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Ask an Expert
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