Number Portability

[NetSpike]

Hey all

I'd like to know from those who have used number portability to move to another service provider.

Do you recommended it?
If so, are there any catches?

Thanks in advance!

Edward

 

[rush]

whatever you do do not port to virgin!

I have had nothing but endless hassles and can't even port back to vodacom.

 

[Roo!]

I you can live with a new number then do so, porting is a long, expensive and painful task that can take longer than 2 months to finish. My fiancée started the porting process in Dec, it was finally completed now.

If you do still want to port then make sure that you cancel your previous contract. DO NOT assume that the new SP will do this for you. Phone your old SP/network and make sure it's done.

Also make sure you get it through the thick-skull of a rep that you want PORTING not a new contract.

 

[Johnit]

three points to consider:
* don't consider porting unless your contract is near its (24 month?) expiry date
* read the contract fineprint: despite the contract expiry date having passed, you must give notice, sometimes three months in advance. if not, you may get billed for the remainder of the notice period.
* porting has its pains; the process is by no means sorted out properly. There may be long delays, and the cellphone outlets generally are not well informed about porting. But once done, it is OK (When a VM subscriber phones me, they get a stupod "empty, empty" voice recording before my phone rings - one of the porting niggles)