Will I lose my mobile number if I change providers?

Many Starts at 60 readers have had the same phone number for years; even decades.

But those who have switched along the way will know first-hand the many frustrations of losing a number — from trouble recovering online banking passwords to inadvertently giving old contacts the silent treatment.

If you want to avoid getting your number disconnected (or worse, given to a stranger), it’s easier than you might think. In fact, in most cases, Australian law has your back.

We spoke to Peter and Jamie from Australian phone service provider Cmobile (who are currently offering Starts at 60 readers discounted phone plans from $9.90/month) to shatter the myths around changing your phone number.

“Mobile number portability has been in Australia since the early 2000s,” explains Peter. “Since then you’ve been able to take your mobile number to whatever carrier you want, so long as it’s still connected.”

“That’s one of the risks to understand if you’re on prepaid. If you run out of credit, the provider may cut your number off.”

“If you let that number get disconnected, things can get a little bit murky and difficult. You have to hope that the carrier will reconnect it for you.

“Otherwise, you can take take your number to any carrier at any time. That’s the law in Australia.”

“If you are 12 months into a 24 month contract, you can still take your number elsewhere and your carrier is not allowed to drop it. They are still entitled to chase you for the balance of that contract, but they cannot stop you from taking your number.”

“It’s a free and easy system here in Australia and it’s designed to protect the consumer,” says Peter.

Jamie adds that this system is completely automated. “You won’t need to negotiate anything with your old carrier. Your new provider can get this set up for you straight away.”

“When you sign up with Cmobile, you provide us with your current mobile number and provider details, usually in the form of an account number. If you’ve got a post-paid account, that’s all the information we need. Generally it takes less than half an hour. Sometimes it’s only ten minutes.”

How to reduce your phone bill to as little as $9.90/month

If you’re looking at cutting the cost of your monthly bill — without losing your current number — it’s never been easier! Cmobile is offering specially discounted phone plans especially for Starts at 60 readers.

This family business has gotten rave reviews for their cheap, straightforward, no-nonsense plans (using a choice of either the Telstra or Vodafone network), not to mention their award-winning Australia-based support team — now standing by to help you start saving.

Simply fill out the form below to get started. One of Cmobile’s friendly Australian team will be in touch to discuss the best-value option for your needs.

Or click here to book one of their phone plans online, here and now, within minutes!