Vodacom Number Swap Absurdity - Help!

[seted]

I signed up for an Iphone 4 contract in December and was allocated a Vodacom number. At the time I still had an MTN contract. I used, and still use, the MTN number for just about everything. The VC represepentitive at the time told me that it would be a simple matter to port my MTN number to Vodacom once my MTN contract expired. The contract expired in April and the number has been converted to prepaid. I want to port my old MTN number to my current iPhone contract.

Vodacom customer service tells me that the only way I can get my old MTN number allocated to my iPhone contract is to cancel my existing contract and a take out a new contract with a port included, thus attracting all the costs and fees associated with a cancellation.

Am I asking for something that is technically impossible? Or is it a merely a case of Vodacom not being bothered to do something that is slightly unusual? Can anyone help?

[Haldex]

Cant be done.
Both numbers are still active.

What you should have done was port to Vodacom with your MTN number in the first place.

[ginggs]

Am I asking for something that is technically impossible? Or is it a merely a case of Vodacom not being bothered to do something that is slightly unusual? Can anyone help?

It sounds like the person you are speaking to at Vodacom just doesn't know how to do it.

Your first step will be to port your MTN prepaid number to Vodacom prepaid. Once both numbers are on the Vodacom system it should be possible to swap the numbers. OC or VD will probably be able to assist you.

[Saajid]

Vodacom customer service tells me that the only way I can get my old MTN number allocated to my iPhone contract is to cancel my existing contract and a take out a new contract with a port included, thus attracting all the costs and fees associated with a cancellation.

AFAIK, this sounds right. The standard processes at the mobile operators dictate that you can't change the number on a contract package once the contract is active. Not even from one Vodacom number to another Vodacom number (assuming your contract is with Vodacom).

Obviously, it can be done, it's not technically impossible. But you'd have to go through non-standard channels and non-standard processes to get it done. Basically, you need to have a contact at your mobile operator. I think this is where OC or VD come in.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Haldex]

AFAIK, this sounds right. The standard processes at the mobile operators dictate that you can't change the number on a contract package once the contract is active. Not even from one Vodacom number to another Vodacom number (assuming your contract is with Vodacom).

Obviously, it can be done, it's not technically impossible. But you'd have to go through non-standard channels and non-standard processes to get it done. Basically, you need to have a contact at your mobile operator. I think this is where OC or VD come in.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

Yip, you may change to another number thats not active, but not swap two active numbers.

Not impossible, but depends on who you know. Dont think the OP will get his way tbh. Its not standard process.

[solo7]

Vodacom will not change numbers if you are on a contract that is a TOPup product.

I had a similar problem... I took out a Blackberry topup contract and as soon as the asigned number activated. the phone was ringing off the hook with people calling for debt and so on and receiving banking sms's...
went back the next day, asked for the number to be changed, no one could help. Only thing you can do is cancel the contract and pay a fortune.

So I went to the store where I took the contract out, told them the problem and said I want my money back and Void the sale, as it is the next day only.

They agreed after 3 days of them trying to get vodacom to change the number with no luck. They VOID the sale, money got refunded then put through a new sale, but for the same handset and TADA you have a new number and same contract.

you just got to prey you don't get another recycled number... which they claim they don't do....

[AstroTurf]

I signed up for an Iphone 4 contract in December and was allocated a Vodacom number. At the time I still had an MTN contract. I used, and still use, the MTN number for just about everything. The VC represepentitive at the time told me that it would be a simple matter to port my MTN number to Vodacom once my MTN contract expired. The contract expired in April and the number has been converted to prepaid. I want to port my old MTN number to my current iPhone contract.

Vodacom customer service tells me that the only way I can get my old MTN number allocated to my iPhone contract is to cancel my existing contract and a take out a new contract with a port included, thus attracting all the costs and fees associated with a cancellation.

Am I asking for something that is technically impossible? Or is it a merely a case of Vodacom not being bothered to do something that is slightly unusual? Can anyone help?

If vodacom do not want to be helpful, use your mtn sim in the phone (convert it to payg for now if you want).
You keep your number, vodacom lose out on cash, everyone is happy.

[Ockie]

Just some things to remember.

1. We can change a contract number to a new number (one that is available on our system and not active), but not on prepaid or top up numbers. You will be charged for this.
2. The MTN number should have been been used to open up the contract in the first place. If the consultant were informed that you wish to keep your MTN number and told you this could be done after the contract have been activated, he/she made a error.
3. I have made enquiries regarding similar situations with Vodacom, and the answer have always been no, two active numbers cannot be swaped.

That is from my side. Perhaps VD will add a bit more when he has the time.

OC

[seted]

What if I ported to a VC prepaid, told VC to deactivate the number, and then asked them to allocate it to my contract? Can that be done? I don't mind paying reasonable administrative fees. Just to add, the number has an 084 suffix. I don't know if that would complicate matters.

[Budza]

I have made enquiries regarding similar situations with Vodacom, and the answer have always been no, two active numbers cannot be swaped.

Of course they can. VC just don't want to...

Simple matter to swap a number in a DB.

'Tsek.

[Ockie]

What if I ported to a VC prepaid, told VC to deactivate the number, and then asked them to allocate it to my contract? Can that be done? I don't mind paying reasonable administrative fees. Just to add, the number has an 084 suffix. I don't know if that would complicate matters.

No, it will not work. Reason being as soon as a ported number gets deleted on our system it reverts back to the network where the number came from in the first place...so in this case seeing that it is a 084 number, it will be pulled back into Cell C's number pool...and most likely be lost. I do not recommend this.

[ginggs]

Of course they can. VC just don't want to...

Simple matter to swap a number in a DB.

Yup.

It's worth sending VD a PM. He has more mojo than OC.

[Haldex]

Heres what you can do.
Port your prepaid MTN to Vodacom, then activate your now prepaid Vodacom sim (same 084 number) on a contract of your choice.

Then either cancel your current Vodacom contract or give it to you wife, whoever is willing to take it. Or move it to a lower package and accept the penalty fees or move it to a high data contract and use as you wish.

[Ockie]

Yup.

It's worth sending VD a PM. He has more mojo than OC.

Tsek. You being chacharig!

My moto is. Dont promise something if you know you cant deliver. If VD can swindle something...fantastic...but my system is limited and very restrictive. I dont have the capability to do this and so I tell it as it stands...not what VD might be able to swing from his side. :-)

[Ockie]

'Tsek.

You better put a smiley or I am gonna be very very angry!