Help! O2 won't let me keep my number!!!!

[Deb39]

I have been with O2 for 23 years and never had an issue. Recently called them to upgrade, and the new airtime options were all really expensive compared with other networks. I found a new phone with Samsung direct, offering an O2 contract for cheaper. Perfect you would think....

I now have two open contracts on my account. Phoned to ask them to move the number and cancel the old one, and they refused. They said I can only keep my number if I renew my contract through them, cancel the new contract, send the phone back and start again, using one of their expensive tariffs. They are holding my old number to ransom and this is blackmail, surely can't be allowed. If I'd moved to another network, I could use the PAC and happy days, so much for brand loyalty. Any advice?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@Deb39 

Typical shady tactics these days.

You should be allowed to migrate your number, so try again using the social media links in the contact guide.

Guide: Migration & porting into O2 

Guide: How to find help & contact O2 

Another option is to get a free PAYG sim from another network and port your number to that for a month, then port back in to your new O2 contract.

Guide: How to get your PAC [June 2021 Update] 

[Enlli]

See you have been given good advice. 

The O2 of today is not the O2 of 23 years ago, even more so now Virgin with their questionable tactics have come into the equation.

The bull we see on here from the so called Customer Services you wouldn't believe

[TallTrees]

Dear @Deb39 

Agree with the 2 community members. Sad to know this is O2/Virgin policy now. Great advice you will get your number best wishes and good luck 

[Deb39]

Seems so unfair! Thank you for your suggestions.

[MI5]

Good luck @Deb39 

[madasaf1sh]

Just to add something most people dont realise.. 

You dont own your mobile phone number, it is owned by the network that issued it to you, so technically at any point that network can take it off you, or refuse to port it, migrate it etc... 

[Cleoriff]

@madasaf1sh 

That might well be the case but until 2 years ago it wasn't an issue. You could PAC out from O2 with no issue

You could also migrate the number you've used for years, also without issue. 

So what's happening above is beyond shady business practice. !

[madasaf1sh]

I know @Cleoriff 

No idea what the hell is going on with o2 and porting and migrating,