Who owns your mobile number?

There is more to this than meets the eye.

I am very concerned about cell phone operators indicating that there is the possibility that my number could be changed at any time. I am a professional business woman and have had my cell phone number for many years, i.e. it is my primary point of contact! What happens if my number is changed?? Who is going to be accountable for my loss of earnings?? How do the operators plan to handle the transition of a number change because from what I read between the lines, this move could be imminent. Furthermore, I would like to know where in the terms and conditions of the operators is this information cited, since the terms and conditions of use are certainly not on their websites or on their starter packs! The new Consumer Protection Act is about to be introduced. I would like to know how these claims by the cell phone operators will comply...
 
Based on the quotes of the cell phone operators, 'Number for Life' can now be classified as false advertising. This should be taken up with the Advertising Standards Authority...
 
I am very concerned about cell phone operators indicating that there is the possibility that my number could be changed at any time. I am a professional business woman and have had my cell phone number for many years, i.e. it is my primary point of contact! What happens if my number is changed?? Who is going to be accountable for my loss of earnings?? How do the operators plan to handle the transition of a number change because from what I read between the lines, this move could be imminent. Furthermore, I would like to know where in the terms and conditions of the operators is this information cited, since the terms and conditions of use are certainly not on their websites or on their starter packs! The new Consumer Protection Act is about to be introduced. I would like to know how these claims by the cell phone operators will comply...

Are you seriously worried that Vodacom/MTN will just unilaterally change your number?... Get a grip....

You just don't OWN the number, you have the rights to use the number for the duration of the contract with the Cellphone operator.
 
IMO, trading in phone numbers will defeat FICA regulations.
 
I found it damned funny. Nice one Rouxenator!

Thanks - Guess I have been working on mobile network apps and DBs for far too long now ;)
I'm a geek that devoted the best years of my youth to the "holy GSM trinity" of IMEI, IMSI and MSISDN.
 
I was shocked to hear from Autopage when my 24 month contract was coming to an end and I was looking for the best deal on the market that if I were to leave Autopage, I would have to leave the number also. Is this true? And would it be right, especially because I had it before I took a contract with Autopage. It was a prepaid number and it was not Autopage who gave me the number? If this is not right then what recourse can I follow in the event that they disconnect me. Can they disconnect me?
 
Traditionally service provides (such as Autopage) were allocated certain number ranges on networks (like 082 8xx xxxx). But with number portability you can port your number to any other network or SP.

But I do think people that get their cellular contracts from anywhere except the networks themselves were looking for that trouble they end up.
 
As long as you pay your contract (should be on your own name) or don't let a prepaid number go for months without being used there's nothing to worry about!
 
Well, if the Service Providers want to claim ownership of our numbers, then they can RICA them all under their own names. And carry the risk if my cell gets stolen and used in a "terrorist" activity. When the cops come a knockin', I'll just send them to Vodacom etc.
 
Well, if the Service Providers want to claim ownership of our numbers, then they can RICA them all under their own names. And carry the risk if my cell gets stolen and used in a "terrorist" activity. When the cops come a knockin', I'll just send them to Vodacom etc.

Brilliant :D
 
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