n00b question: how to port

Speedster

Speedster

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My SO is currently on a prepaid FNB SIM. Their (CellC) reception at our house is really crap so I'd like to port her number to Telkom (since I'm on FreeMe with unlimited on-net minutes). In any case - what is the easiest way to port? Do I simply buy a prepaid sim and send an sms or is there more to it?
 
Speedster said:
Guy, have you ever been in a Telkom store? I'd rather chew off my left thumb...
Click to expand...

Yes, that's how I ported to my current contract. Was a 10 minute wait, way better than CellC and slightly faster than Vodacom.
 
First thing is networks insist that you move your current contract to prepaid before porting. Now contract numbers can be ported, but the networks want to ensure that you have squared your account with them. They won't put you on prepaid if you are in arrears, which they are entitled to do. They cannot stop a port out if you are in arrears UNLESS they have suspended your number. But to make it easier go to your network and get your number onto prepaid.

Next step is to goto the network you want to move to. For some reason contract SIMs are magically different from prepaid SIMs and can only be obtained from the stores. I know this for sure with regards to VC and MTN. And for this they normally charge a "connection" fee. Anyway you need to get hold of the new network and arrange a new SIM, select your package and they will setup a port request.

Porting, usually takes a few hours if all goes well. Best NOT to do it on a Friday afternoon, Weekend or anywhere near a public holiday. If something goes wrong it will take days to fix. try and get it done first thing in the morning and by lunch you should be done.

But be prepared and get a second prepaid SIM that you can use while the porting takes place. In case it goes tits up.
 
Dairyfarmer said:
First thing is networks insist that you move your current contract to prepaid before porting. Now contract numbers can be ported, but the networks want to ensure that you have squared your account with them. They won't put you on prepaid if you are in arrears, which they are entitled to do. They cannot stop a port out if you are in arrears UNLESS they have suspended your number. But to make it easier go to your network and get your number onto prepaid.

Next step is to goto the network you want to move to. For some reason contract SIMs are magically different from prepaid SIMs and can only be obtained from the stores. I know this for sure with regards to VC and MTN. And for this they normally charge a "connection" fee. Anyway you need to get hold of the new network and arrange a new SIM, select your package and they will setup a port request.

Porting, usually takes a few hours if all goes well. Best NOT to do it on a Friday afternoon, Weekend or anywhere near a public holiday. If something goes wrong it will take days to fix. try and get it done first thing in the morning and by lunch you should be done.

But be prepared and get a second prepaid SIM that you can use while the porting takes place. In case it goes tits up.
Click to expand...

Thanks for taking so much time to not answer my question at all :crylaugh:
 
Rica a Telkom prepaid sim, then follow the sms port options. Easy, takes anything from a few hours to 30+. Do it around 5-6pm and should be done by 11pm.

To port your prepaid number to Telkom for free, just use the number you want to port, and SMS PORTME#yourIDnumber#ICCIC to 081 160 7678. For postpaid contracts, visit you're nearest Telkom store and fill out an application form.
Click to expand...

To clarify:

SMS from your CURRENT phone ( ICCIC number is on the TELKOM sim card you want to PORT TO )
You will get a confirmation message on your CURRENT SIM. MTN was just a notice, no confirmation but dunno about Cell C.
Once your current sim dies, plug in your new sim and away you go.
Also note that you start on the Move prepaid plan. I changed the wife and I to the Sim-Sonke one and buy the free-me bundle. Worked great for us this last month, R20 airtime + R69 bundle, still got lots left.

Obviously ensure the sim is rica'ed first!
 
Last edited:
Kosmik said:
Rica a Telkom prepaid sim, then follow the sms port options. Easy, takes anything from a few hours to 30+. Do it around 5-6pm and should be done by 11pm.



To clarify:

SMS from your CURRENT phone ( ICCIC number is on the TELKOM sim card you want to PORT TO )
You will get a confirmation message on your CURRENT SIM. MTN was just a notice, no confirmation but dunno about Cell C.
Once your current sim dies, plug in your new sim and away you go.
Also note that you start on the Move prepaid plan. I changed the wife and I to the Sim-Sonke one and buy the free-me bundle. Worked great for us this last month, R20 airtime + R69 bundle, still got lots left.

Obviously ensure the sim is rica'ed first!
Click to expand...
Awesome! Exactly what i was looking for. Thanks
 
Dairyfarmer said:
Porting, usually takes a few hours if all goes well. Best NOT to do it on a Friday afternoon, Weekend or anywhere near a public holiday. If something goes wrong it will take days to fix. try and get it done first thing in the morning and by lunch you should be done.
Click to expand...

This part is applicable to you. The rest was a copy and paste I did from another post.
 
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