Why is porting so problematic?

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TimTDP

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I wish to port from Cell C to Afrihost (MTN).
I gave Cell C 30 days notice (was on a month to month contract). After 30 days I went to a Cell C shop . Paid whatever monies were outstanding and informed them I was porting. Sales chap said he had done what needed to be done.
I then subscribed to a new Afrihost service. Bought a prepaid MTN sim which I rica'd. Followed Afrihost's instructions to the letter.
It has been a week now and the porting process still hasn't happened.
Contacted both Cell C and MTN - went to a shop. They can't tell me why not
Afrihost can't tell me why not.
So I am paying Afrihost for a service I cannot use!

Why is porting so problematic?
How can I check the process to see where the problem is?


Thanks
 
Well there is your problem. Cellc is declining the port because you are still on a month to month.

Move your cellc number to prepaid. Then sms to port to MTN. Port happens same day if you sms before 5pm.
 
cavedog said:
Well there is your problem. Cellc is declining the port because you are still on a month to month.
Click to expand...

The only time a network can refuse a port is if the number has been suspended or has previously been ported within a certain period or if you are still bound by a contract.

This is why they insist that you convert to prepaid before attempting a port. This is how the networks ensure that you square your account with them.
 
cavedog said:
Well there is your problem. Cellc is declining the port because you are still on a month to month.

Move your cellc number to prepaid. Then sms to port to MTN. Port happens same day if you sms before 5pm.
Click to expand...

^^ This. I have ported a few times over a few years - I follow the same process and have never had any issues. This year I ported from CellC to Telkom. Last year I helped my wife to port her number from MTN to Telkom:
1. give your noticed
2. after contract is done )or almost to the end of your term) call your SP and tell them that you are moving over to Prepaid (in fact, you can also do this when you give them notice to cancel)
3. Go to new SP, sign for new contract or buy a prepaid SIM and then port
 
Dairyfarmer said:
The only time a network can refuse a port is if the number has been suspended or has previously been ported within a certain period or if you are still bound by a contract.

This is why they insist that you convert to prepaid before attempting a port. This is how the networks ensure that you square your account with them.
Click to expand...

It does not matter when a network can and can't refuse a port but as I was saying if you are on Month to Month even in notice period with all monies paid up if you request to port via SMS the port request will be denied by the donor network in this case Cellc. It is to prevent fraud. The only way to port out on a month to month is by filling an application form of which you will specify stuff like Cellc number, Cellc account number, ID number ect and those ports are usually done manually when porting to another network on contract. It's complicated.

The easiest way to port the same day is.

1. Move contract number to prepaid
2. Rica new network prepaid simcard
3. SMS to port to new network before 5pm to port the same day.
4. 19:00 give or take port is complete
5. Apply for contract a new network advising your prepaid number to keep.


That is the best way. @OP if you want to port today while waiting out the notice period with Cellc you can do it like this

1. Rica and activate a new cellc prepaid simcard
2. Contact Cellc rep here on mybb and ask for a "number change" First number change in the contract is free and move the contract number to the prepaid simcard.
3. SMS to port to new network.


A number change will basically just mean they will move your number from your contract to the prepaid simcard. Once that is done which is instant the contract will be allocated a new number and your number will be on the newly ricad and activated prepaid simcard.
 
TheFriendlyGhost said:
^^ This. I have ported a few times over a few years - I follow the same process and have never had any issues. This year I ported from CellC to Telkom. Last year I helped my wife to port her number from MTN to Telkom:
1. give your noticed
2. after contract is done )or almost to the end of your term) call your SP and tell them that you are moving over to Prepaid (in fact, you can also do this when you give them notice to cancel)
3. Go to new SP, sign for new contract or buy a prepaid SIM and then port
Click to expand...
Hi there im trying to port from cellc to telkom using the ussd and I get a text back statingthat the portinbysms service temporarily suspended. Please use alternative channels. What do I do now
 
What you don't do is resurrect a dead thread on the forum. :)

What you do is go into Telkom store and do it via the alternate channels.
 
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