Porting my number from O2 to O2?

[Abbafan1972]

Hi there, 

I am currently on a sim-only deal with O2.  The shop told me I could upgrade at any time, but failed to tell me that If I wanted to change networks and port my number, I would get charged £149.99 early cancellation fee (this was confirmed by O2 chat last night).  The contract comes to an end 2/4/2019.

Anyway it's worked out cheaper for me to start a brand new contract (with O2) from Carphone Warehouse and I got a good online deal not available in the shops. 

I would like to keep my number and my question is can I port this number from an O2 to an O2 account?  If this is not possible then I am happy to have the new number someone else in my household can use my sim-only until it comes to an end and then I dump it and get a giff gaff one for them (much cheaper). 

Looking forward to your reply.

Thanks in advance.

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

You need to call customer services on 202 and just ask them to migrate your number to the new contract, but you will still have to pay the cancellation fees.
The only free option is to pass the sim onto someone else to use as you suggest.

[Abbafan1972]

Hi there,

Thanks for your reply.

That's what I was thinking but just needed it confirming.  It would be pointless getting into an argument with the shop.  I went in when my contract for my device came to an end, but was undecided what phone to have and to be honest the upgrade deals in the O2 shop for the phone I want (iphone 8 plus) are pants.  So they transferred me to a sim-only to reduce my tariff cost per month. 

The assistant at the time said I could come in and upgrade at any time, but failed to tell me I would be tied to upgrading with them, but who knows he could have refused me even if I did choose to upgrade in store, as I have no proof that he said that.

Lesson learned here I think and something I won't fall for again, that's for sure!

[Cleoriff]

I did mine the other way round @Abbafan1972 (Migrating my number from Contract to Sim Only) One of the easiest processes on O2......no matter how difficult the others may be

[MI5]

On a 12 month simo you can upgrade (with o2 directly) after 3 months, but you really should have gone onto a 30 day simo which would have allowed you to leave with just 30 days notice.
Best of luck with whichever option you choose.

[Abbafan1972]

Yes, looking back I should've gone on a 30 day contract, but the sales assistant didn't offer one and the 12 month contract is what he put me on. 

[MI5]

You could always try a complaint and say you were mis sold a 12 month contract https://www.o2.co.uk/how-to-complain

[Abbafan1972]

Would I need to go into the store to do that?

I would like to save myself the embarressment of getting into an argument with the assistant. 

[MI5]

No not at all, you can use the live chat on the complaints link above or just fill out a form online on the MSE Resolver website https://www.resolver.co.uk/

[Abbafan1972]

Thanks, I will have a look at that.