topic Re: Requesting specific numbers in Business Customers

Requesting specific numbers

Harbourmaster — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 09:26:56 GMT

Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to reply here...

I used to have a bunsiness contract and stupidly used my number as the 2FA for several online accounts. It's been over a year since the contract ended and unfortunately I need to get back in to some of those accounts. I've spent dozens of hours on the phone and had lots of mixed messages. My understanding so far is that after 6 months the number goes back into a 'pool' of sorts but haven't been able to get a straight answer on whether or not I can request the number and if so, how.

From reading other community posts it seems like if you kick up enough of a fuss then it becomes possible but does anyone know who to get in touch with / how to speak to the right person?

Cheers!

Re: Requesting specific numbers

Cleoriff — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 09:50:46 GMT

@Harbourmaster

You are correct in thinking after a certain amount of time, a number goes back into a pool and is then reassigned. Occasionally people have been lucky enough in retrieving an old number but usually within a month or less.

There is no harm in trying and you need to call O2.

All numbers are in this guide

Guide: Coronavirus Community Help and Support

Advice from an O2 Guru regarding a way to get through:

When you call, you will be asked for the reason you are calling,

Stay silent for 15 seconds and you will be taken to the keypad options.

Press 2 for Everything Else

Press 5 for More Options

Press 7 for Anything Else which will put you though to an advisor.

Press Upgrade, Lost/Stolen or Fraud if you have to.

8am is the best time to call

Re: Requesting specific numbers

Harbourmaster — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 10:54:16 GMT

Thanks @Cleoriff for the advice - I'll give them a call this week and see if I can get someone helpful. Cheers for the guide on calling too - I find the dead-ends really frustrating too.

I'm more than willing to pay extra to have the specific number I had before (though I wasn't sent a PAC code when I requested one at the end of my contract which I guess is neither here nor there at this point) but it's getting through to someone who wants to help rather than just get me off the phone asap

Someone in another post had a 5 or so year gap but said a strongly worded letter higher up the chain got the job done - I just would have thought there was a set process for this... I know it's out of the ordinary but surely it's not that uncommon to want a specific number.

Re: Requesting specific numbers

MI5 — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 12:57:53 GMT

@Harbourmaster

This may be something that @O2Lisa can help you with in the morning.

Re: Requesting specific numbers

Harbourmaster — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 13:04:45 GMT

Thanks @MI5 - Fingers crossed! I really appreciate your help, I'm at the hair-pulling stage and don't have enough to spare!

Re: Requesting specific numbers

MI5 — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 13:41:04 GMT

I know what you mean mate

Re: Requesting specific numbers

O2Lisa — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 07:07:02 GMT

Morning all, thanks for the tag @MI5

I'll private message you @Harbourmaster and look in to this for you

Re: Requesting specific numbers

MI5 — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 07:07:48 GMT

Thanks @O2Lisa

Re: Requesting specific numbers

O2Lisa — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 07:11:33 GMT

You're welcome @MI5

Re: Requesting specific numbers

APutt — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 11:03:06 GMT

Hi @O2Lisa, we're having the same issue described in this post. Please could you message me and help.

Currently doing circles in customer service, even being sold new contracts on the promise this resolves the issue.

I'm online now and would really appreciate if you could message me.

Thanks

Re: Requesting specific numbers

O2Lisa — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 11:45:54 GMT

Hi @APutt, I've just seen your private message

I'll be with you shortly

Re: Requesting specific numbers

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 11:28:14 GMT

Hi @O2Lisa, I am in a similar position and wonder if my previous number might still be available? Thanks. 🙂

Re: Requesting specific numbers

O2Lisa — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 11:46:34 GMT

Hi @Anonymous I'll look in to it for you and see what we can do 😊

I'll message you privately and we can discuss it further.

Re: Requesting specific numbers

bluebubblegum — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 14:55:25 GMT

did you get it sorted

Re: Requesting specific numbers

Harbour — Sat, 22 Oct 2022 17:58:53 GMT

Hi there. I am really struggling and in a very bad situation and very badly stressed about it.

I dont knkw if you can help?.

I had my o2 sim for years, i really loved my number.

I have topped so much up on it and saved a credit of 118 or 112 on the sim.

I have found out 2 days ago that my SIM has been deactivated and all my credit had been given to charity.

Now i am very very angry and frustrated about this, i had no consent asking me what i want to do with my credit and has been given straight to charity!.

I really want my old number back with my credit as normal.

I have tried everywhere to get help but they not willing to help and sticking to the same words.

Is there literally anyway what so ever to get the old number back with my credit. I will be so so greatful and will not make the same mistake again. I just really really need and want help. I have literally searched and searched and done everything. This is another thing i have just seen about getting your old number back and thought something might work. Please please can you help with my number?.

Re: Requesting specific numbers

Cleoriff — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 07:53:52 GMT

@Harbour
I'll ask @O2Lisa to help in the morning.

Re: Requesting specific numbers

jonsie — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 14:39:01 GMT

Just for more info....

Did your sim become inactive due to lack of use for 6 months or more?
How long as the number been inactive?
If it hasn't been too long then then it's possible the number can be activated again
If the number has been reclaimed by O2 and reallocated then it is lost forever I'm afraid
Your credit will also be lost although it's doubtful that the credit has been donated to any charity other than the O2 profit pot

From the O2 P&G terms and conditions::

7. Our Rights to Bar or Disconnect Your Mobile Phone

7.1. If you do not carry out any chargeable activity at least once in any 6 month period your Mobile Phone will be disconnected and you will lose any remaining credits balance on your Account. If you wish to be re-connected after this time you will be given a new Mobile Phone number.

Re: Requesting specific numbers

Enlli — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 15:34:24 GMT

One thing to remember is once the number is released from quarantine it is returned to the original network. ie

A Vodafone number ported to O2 will return to Vodafone. That is true no matter how many ports have taken place since it was first issued.

Re: Requesting specific numbers

O2Lisa — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 07:05:05 GMT

Morning all, thanks for the tag @Cleoriff.

@Harbourmaster I’ll message you privately and look in to this for you.

Re: Requesting specific numbers

Cleoriff — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 07:57:49 GMT

Thanks @O2Lisa x