Getting my old number back

[mmmoo]

Hi there, really hope somebody can help me fixing this situation.

I paid my montly bill with some delay for the first time in over 10 years on being with o2, they started applying all kind of restrictions to the point where i wasnt able to do anything, zero phone signal and data.

When i ultimately paid for my bill, my data and phone signal never came back, and after 2 months , opening reports and getting in touch with the customer service without any results, i got fed up and just ended my contract.

The issue is that i was with that number since 2010 and i didnt think rationally on the fact that i am now unable to access many websites because of text verifications.

I saw there has been a few topics similar to  my situation but they are older or inactive.

Is there anyone which have been through the same and managed to get their number back?

I revoked my monthly plan around 40 days ago, i really hope i can fix this.

I have the SIM card with me.

I just attempted to talk with customer service and sign on a new sim only plan to get my old number back and they said the number was already showing as activated in their system but i tried to ring it and seems to be inactive as of now.

I selected the sales departement so maybe i should try a different dept.

Any suggestions are higly welcome since i really need that number back!!!

[Enlli]

Only a slim chance as you ended the contract and in so doing gave up the number.

Your only chance if finding a sympathetic agent

[madasaf1sh]

@mmmoo 

Just so you know, you dont own your phone number o2 do.. and at the end of the day you cancelled the contract and they don't have to give it you back, it will be in the do not use pile

Maybe try social media, but I wouldn't hold much hope...  

[mmmoo]

I understand i dont own the number, just wondering what my chances are to get my old mobile number back.

I understimated how much it was tied up to my number in 12 years of life, having the same number.

I found some old topics about similar situations as mine, wondering if any of those people are still around and managed to find a solution, or if some o2 staff can point me to whats my best shot from here.

[MI5]

Your best bet is social media as advised above @mmmoo 

Facebook (https://o2uk.co/O2CFB) , Twitter (X) (https://o2uk.co/O2CTW) or Instagram (https://o2uk.co/O2CIG)

[mmmoo]

I tried on X but they said there is no way to recover a deactivated number.

Not sure whats the definition of a deactivated number 

[madasaf1sh]

@mmmoo 

Your number is owned by the Network not you and when you cancel you lose access to it. 

A deactivated number is a number no longer in use, and it goes back into the pool of numbers to be recycled at some point and given to a new customers. 

If o2 say no then its tough and the number is lost for ever, so contact the different services and change the number linked to the accounts or create new accounts... this is the issue with just cancelling an account with any mobile provider.

If you are wishing 14days of taking the new contract then I would cancel it, and move on.

[mmmoo]

How did people manage to get their old number back then? 

[Enlli · Accepted solution]

Most were PAYG customers who did not top up or use their phones enough and were disconnected.

They were able to reactivate their accounts within a short time 

In your case months have gone by and the number will have been sent to the pool or the original network that issued it