old number back again?

[dcandersson]

I used to have a pay monthly account but let it lapse when I went abroad (owing O2 some money). This was back in 2013

I have just come back and I would like my old phone number back (I have now just paid off the money on the old bill!). 
Is there a way to do this?

[Anonymous]

@BamBam1982 

Sorry for your loss.

When a number is disassociated from a SIM without being transferred, UK service providers are required to place it in quarantine for six months before it can be reissued, anyone calling the number during the time would receive an 'out of service' tone.

There were two months between the original poster's messages so well within the quarantine period in which the number can be reactivated.

As you said your Dad passed last year I think it's likely his number will have been reissued by now and service providers won't enforce a change of number on a customer unless it's a technical reason or if ofcom orders them to, unfortunately no ownership rights over a number are ever conferred on a customer (personal or business)

All the number management processes are documented here http://mnposg.org.uk/Main_Documents/MNP2%20Manual%20issue%201-34.pdf

I'm sorry I can't give you better news.

[Changin]

So is it possible to get old numbers back? Mine hasn't been used for eight years. It was never changed to a different provider?

[jonsie]

I think your number has long gone

you could try calling O2

numbers in the link

Guide: Coronavirus Community Help and Support 

[Changin]

Ok thanks for the quick reply. I realise it's a real long-shot.

[jonsie]

You're welcome.

Worth a free call but I would be real surprised if they can get the number back.

[Changin]

I am surprised they can't just re-issue the number. But I guess I am living in cloud-cuckoo land.

[Murfer]

Hello

[Murfer]

I was cut off yesterday and didn’t get a pac code. O2 are saying I can’t get the number back even if I opened up a new contract. Is this right?

[Enlli]

Who cut you off? If it was a provider other than O2 you may be out of luck and will have to deal with them.

If it was O2 then you didn't need a PAC as it is a straight migration

Have a look at our guide.

Guide: Migration & porting into O2  

[Murfer]

So I was leaving o2 to go to Sky mobile and forgot to get a pac code from 02, hence losing my number.