How to change mobile operator and keep his number?

Changing mobile operator and keeping your number is a simple operation to perform

First of all, you should know that it is quite possible to keep your mobile phone number while changing operator thanks to the number portability.

If you want to keep your phone, you must first request that it be unlocked. To do this, retrieve your identification number, also known as RIO. (operator identity statement)

This process, called porting, is free and is carried out in one working day.

Save money while keeping your number

If you decide to change operator, you may be forced to change your phone number. This will prevent you from receiving calls from your contacts.

If you are one of those people who refuse to change your number or who do not want to have a number starting with 07, you can always change operator while keeping your number thanks to solutions put in place by operators themselves.

The latter introduced number portability to enable consumers to subscribe to new packages without having to change numbers. It thus promotes free competition by offering ever more competitive offers in terms of services and prices. Everyone wins, and here's how.

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Change mobile operator and keep your number: the procedure

If you wish to keep your telephone number when changing operator, the portability procedure is simple and easy to follow.

The new operator takes care of the formalities related to the termination with the old operator. This is done when taking out a new contract.

It is important to make the portability request when subscribing to the new contract and to communicate the Operator Identity Statement (RIO) to the new operator.

To get the RIO code, You can dial 3179 for free from your mobile phone and follow the voice server instructions.

Good to know:

The number 3179 is accessible in Metropolitan France as well as in the departments of Réunion and Mayotte to obtain the RIO code.

For the departments of:

• the Guadeloupe
• the Martinique
• Guyana
• as well as for the communities of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy,

It is possible to obtain the RIO code by performing the following actions:

• For Orange Caraïbe, simply dial #3179# on the mobile and press "call".
• For Outremer Telecom (Only), simply call 3179 from the voice server.
• For Digicel and Dauphin Telecom, it is possible to dial #317# on the mobile and press "call" (temporary, in the process of being brought into compliance with the regulations in force).
• For UTS, it is currently possible to send the word "RIO" by SMS to 3179 (temporary, in the process of being brought into compliance with the regulations in force).

Once you have requested portability your phone number, you will receive a confirmation SMS on your mobile phone.

This SMS will contain information on the current procedure as well as the end date of your contract with your current operator. This way, you will be able to go through the process of porting your number with peace of mind.

Change mobile operator and keep your number: the costs

Portability costs are not charged. However, you may have to pay termination fees if:

• you cancel your mobile contract before the end of your commitment period.

It is important to note that termination charges cannot include number porting charges.

The portability period is short, generally one day in Metropolitan France. An SMS is sent to the customer to inform him of the transfer.

The new line can take up to 10 days to activate. Indeed, the operator must transfer the line to its own infrastructure. The old operator terminates the service as soon as the transfer is made. If this is not the case, the operator may charge a fee.

Please note: the operator will charge termination fees if you change operator before the end of your commitment. Even if you opt for portability. Fees vary depending on the length of your commitment.

• If your commitment is for 12 months, you will have to pay all the remaining monthly payments.
• If your commitment is for 24 months and you want to leave after 12 months, you will only pay a quarter of the remaining monthly payments.
• If you wish to leave before the expiry of 12 months, you will have to pay the full monthly payments until the end of the first year, then you will have to pay a quarter of the remaining monthly payments for the period from the 13th to the 24th month .
• If you have a non-binding package, you can terminate your contract by sending a registered letter. Termination will be made within ten days.

Change mobile operator and keep your number: my advice

1. It is best not to cancel your old subscription yourself to avoid portability failing if your phone number becomes inactive when the new operator contacts the old one.
2. If you wish to change operator due to changes in the general conditions of sale. You can cancel free of charge for 4 months. I recommend that you send a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt to your former operator, explaining the reasons for your change, specifying that you have contacted another operator who will terminate your contract and implement the portability procedure.
3. If you subscribe online, the portability period only begins at the end of the withdrawal period of 14 working days. If your former operator is slow to take your mail into account or refuses to cooperate, you can request financial compensation or contact the telecommunications ombudsman. If necessary, you can also call on a consumer association or a local judge.

FAQ

Am I reachable during portability?

Indeed, until the actual transfer of the number to the new operator, the old operator ensures continuity of service, this process being known as " porterage"

The operator can communicate the information concerning the date and time of the porting to the subscriber either during the subscription, or by SMS no later than the day before the number transfer.

On the day of porting, the subscriber must expect a cut in service from the old operator during the time slot indicated. To reactivate the service, you must:

• simply insert the new operator's SIM card into their terminal and wait for the service to be activated.

The regulations in force stipulate that the maximum time between the cut-off with the old operator and the activation with the new operator must not not exceed 4 hours.

What is the timeframe for portability?

Since November 7, 2011:

• subscribers in mainland France can benefit from the portability of their mobile number in just 3 working days.

From August 1, 2012:

• For the departments of Réunion and Mayotte, the transfer time is reduced to 2 working days (Monday to Friday).

Since November 12, 2012:

• Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guyana, as well as the communities of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy, have also reduced the portability period to 2 working days (Monday to Friday).

It should be noted that the number transfer does not include Sundays and public holidays in the calculation of working days.

Conclusion

You now know how to change mobile operator and keep his number.

This is a simple and undemanding operation.

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