Ruqayyah Snyder
Changing mobile providers in Australia is a simple process, and you can keep your phone number when doing so. This process is called number porting, and it lets you keep your existing phone number when switching to a different mobile provider. Your carrier is legally obligated to transfer your mobile number to another provider upon request. This can be done by ordering a new SIM card or eSIM, following the prompts, and waiting for your number to be ported to your new provider.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty of switching providers | Easy |
| Time taken to switch providers | A few hours to a few days |
| Loss of phone service during switch | Minimal |
| Need for a new SIM card | Yes |
| Need to cancel old phone plan before switching | No |
| Need to inform new provider of intention to keep number | Yes |
| Old service cancellation | Automatic upon new service activation |
| Final bill after cancellation | Yes, if post-paid service |
| Remaining value on account after cancellation | Lost, if pre-paid service |
| Ability to use old SIM card | No |
| Need to unlock phone | Yes |
| Number porting | Yes |
| Number of mobile carriers in Australia | 30 |
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What You'll Learn
- The process of transferring your mobile number to a new provider is called Mobile Number Portability or 'porting' for short
- You can only change providers and port your number if you are the authorised customer
- You can keep your existing mobile number regardless of whether you take up a month-to-month plan or a Pre-Paid plan
- You will need to organise a new SIM card if you wish to switch mobile phone carriers
- You can transfer your number in a few different ways, including visiting a store, applying over the phone, or online
The process of transferring your mobile number to a new provider is called Mobile Number Portability or 'porting' for short
The process of transferring your mobile number to a new provider is called Mobile Number Portability (MNP) or porting for short. MNP enables mobile phone users to retain their mobile number when changing their mobile network operator. It has been implemented in various ways across the globe. In most places, like Europe and many other countries, the process is "recipient-led". This means that when you want to switch to a new network, you contact the new network (the recipient), and they will ask your current network (the donor) to transfer your number. This method is generally seen as straightforward for customers because they only need to interact with the new network.
In Australia, the process is simple and can be summed up in a few short steps. First, you should order a new SIM card or eSIM online or in-store. You will need to activate the new SIM card, which will be part of the checkout process when signing up for a plan. You should not cancel your old phone plan before switching, as only connected phone numbers can be transferred. Your old service will be automatically disconnected once the new one begins. You should also ensure that any contacts and personal data are stored on a cloud service or your handset, as you will need to swap out your current SIM for the new one, and your old SIM will stop working.
The new carrier should not request your number be transferred until you activate the new service, so wait until you have your new SIM card on hand. The time between your new provider requesting the port and it being completed can take as little as 15 minutes, and under an hour is common. The legal requirement for porting mobile phone numbers is that a telco must complete 90% of its ports within three hours of receiving the official request, and 99% within two business days.
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You can only change providers and port your number if you are the authorised customer
In Australia, it is possible to switch mobile providers and retain your existing phone number. This process is known as Mobile Number Portability or 'porting' for short. The transfer process is straightforward and can be summarised in a few steps.
Firstly, it is important to note that you can only change providers and port your number if you are the authorised customer. This means that you must be either the Account Holder or have Full Authority on your account. To ensure a smooth transition, it is recommended that you store your contacts and personal data on a cloud service or your handset, especially if this information is stored on your SIM card.
Once you have chosen a new provider, you will need to order a new SIM card or eSIM, which may be done online or in-store. It is important not to cancel your old phone plan before switching, as only connected phone numbers can be transferred. Your new provider will handle the transfer process, including requesting the port, and your old service will be automatically disconnected once the new one is active.
The time taken for the number porting process can vary, but it is usually completed within a few days. The legal requirement for porting mobile phone numbers mandates that telcos must complete 90% of ports within three hours and 99% within two business days.
It is worth noting that your new carrier should not request your number to be transferred until you activate your new service, so it is advisable to wait until you have your new SIM card before initiating the porting process. This will ensure that you do not experience any significant loss of phone service during the transition.
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You can keep your existing mobile number regardless of whether you take up a month-to-month plan or a Pre-Paid plan
Changing mobile providers in Australia is a simple process, and you can keep your existing mobile number regardless of whether you take up a month-to-month plan or a Pre-Paid plan. This process is called 'number porting' and allows you to keep your phone number when changing providers.
To begin, you will need to choose a new mobile service provider and apply for a new plan. This can be done in person, over the phone, or online. When signing up, you must inform your new provider that you want to keep your existing number. You will then be sent a new SIM card, which you will need to activate. This can be done online or in-store and is a straightforward process.
It is important to note that you should not cancel your old phone plan before switching, as only connected phone numbers can be transferred. Your old service will be automatically disconnected once your new service begins. The transfer of your number usually happens very quickly, but it can take up to a few days for the number to change hands.
Before proceeding, it is recommended that you check with your current provider to ensure that you are eligible for number porting and that you have all the necessary information. Additionally, if you bought your phone on a plan from your provider, it may be locked to their network. In this case, you will need to make arrangements with your provider to have your phone unlocked, which may incur a fee.
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You will need to organise a new SIM card if you wish to switch mobile phone carriers
If you're looking to switch mobile phone carriers in Australia, you'll need to get your hands on a new SIM card. The good news is that this process is relatively straightforward and can be done in a few different ways.
Firstly, you can order a new SIM card online and have it delivered to your address. This option may take a few days, so if you need a SIM card immediately, it might not be the best choice. Alternatively, you can purchase a SIM card from a physical store. In Australia, SIM cards are available at mobile carrier stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven, Woolworths, Coles, and Australia Post. This option is ideal if you need a SIM card right away, as you can start using it immediately.
If you're switching to a major carrier like Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone, you can visit their stores in major cities and shopping malls. These stores often offer a range of prepaid plans and have staff available to help you choose the right option. Additionally, some providers allow you to purchase and activate a SIM card online before your trip, ensuring that you have a plan ready for immediate use upon your arrival in Australia.
When switching carriers, it's important to ensure that your phone is unlocked. If your phone is locked, you won't be able to use a new SIM card from another carrier. Contact your current provider before your contract ends to find out how to unlock your phone.
It's also recommended to store your contacts and personal data on a cloud service or your phone before switching SIM cards. This way, you won't lose any important information during the transition.
Finally, remember that switching carriers does not require you to cancel your old phone plan first. Your old service will automatically be disconnected once the new one starts.
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You can transfer your number in a few different ways, including visiting a store, applying over the phone, or online
Changing mobile providers in Australia is simple and you can keep your existing phone number. The process of moving your number to a new provider is called Mobile Number Portability or 'porting' for short.
Before you transfer your number, you must ensure you are eligible. Most Australian service providers allow number porting, but some may have specific terms and conditions that you need to meet. Check with your current phone provider to see if you are eligible. You can also check the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) website for more information on porting your mobile number.
Once you have confirmed that you are eligible, you can choose your new mobile service provider. You will need to swap out your current SIM for a new one. You can order a new SIM card online or in-store. It should be part of the checkout process when signing up for a plan. If you have an eSIM, activation is faster. Once the SIM card arrives, swap it out with the old one and follow the activation steps from your new provider.
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Frequently asked questions
First, you need to pick a new provider and apply for a new plan, informing them that you want to keep your existing number. Then, you need to wait for your new SIM card to arrive and activate it. Once the new SIM card is active, which can take a few minutes to a few hours, you can use your new account with your old number.
The actual exchange of your number between providers is very fast, but it can take up to a few days for the number to change hands. The legal requirement for porting mobile phone numbers is that a telco must complete 90% of its ports within three hours of receiving the official request, and 99% within two business days.
If your contact information is stored on your SIM card, you will need to transfer that to a cloud service or your phone before popping in the new SIM so you don't lose anything.
If you don't want to keep your old number, you will need to contact your current provider to cancel your old number. This can be done via phone, online chat, or by visiting a store.
