Company not releasing MY mobile number

kittykat

Mobile number has been mine for 13 years. It was transferred to a company contract in 2003 and I confirmed at the time I was only prepared to transfer my number if the company agreed to transfer it back to me if I left. There is no written policy on mobile number portability - but the company is refusing to release my number. Anyone got any experience/advice on this? I am aware of at least 2 employees who have left and been allowed to keep their numbers.

Mike_by_the_Sea

Hi kittykat

If I understand you correctly, you ported your own number on to a company mobile and now the company is refusing to allow you to port it back. i did the same thing as you some years ago, but I haven't changed back yet.

It sounds like they are taking the wee-wee!

I am not sure what you do if they continue to refuse, but have a look at the ofcom link below and get in touch with them and ask their advice. Ii don't think that your company has a leg to stand on.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/

All the best

Mike

kittykat

Thanks for that - someone else suggested the Ombudsman, I am going to call them this afternoon!

Woby_Tide

it's not an Ofcom issue as it's a private matter between an employee(or ex-employee) and an employer, if the company is currently paying the mobile ocntract then they are as close to the holders of that number than anyone else. Nor is the number ever owned by anyone except the mobile networks I would have thought, they can reclaim it within reason at any point if they need to due to changes in numbering ranges or simiilar issues. Without any written proof that the company would return the number to you it's a tough one. They could argue that you may still receive calls relating to their business because external companies have your number or something so are doing it to prevent breaches of confidentiality etc. best bet is to find out why they won't release it and see if they will negotiate

kittykat

I have an email from me to them saying I would only agree to the transfer of my number to the company contract if they agreed to release it bakc. Lawyer friend says that if they did not respond then it is taken to have been "affirmed". I am staying in the same business community - another partner within the same sector - so will be dealing with all the same people anyway! I want it for personal contact (it is listed as emergency contact for children's schools, activities etc) as I have had same number for 13 years. I am trying to negotiate - but so far they will not budge!

jnm21

I wouldn't budge - quite simply if they won't give it back, make it unuseable - I'd keep calling it until they give in.

pennypincher_2

All the more reason to keep seperate business and personal mobiles something I managed to do since 1993.The number in question could be classed as intellectual property so unless theres an agreement in writing you may not succeed.

kittykat

jnm21 wrote:

I wouldn't budge - quite simply if they won't give it back, make it unuseable - I'd keep calling it until they give in.

it has also been suggested that I try & set up a divert before I hand the phone back!!!!

kittykat

penny/pincher wrote:

All the more reason to keep seperate business and personal mobiles something I managed to do since 1993.The number in question could be classed as intellectual property so unless theres an agreement in writing you may not succeed.

If I succeed then ironically that is what I will do going forward! My new employer has already sourced me a new phone & number - so I will probably use that for business going forward - and keep my number for personal use only!

silvercar

it has also been suggested that I try & set up a divert before I hand the phone back!!!!

You don't even need to do that, just replace the sim card.

Woby_Tide

wouldn't taking the SIM card be theft as that is what the contract covers, not teh physical phone. Taking the SIM would put you in a much more dangerous position.By the sounds of what your solictor said about the email then that sounds like a reasonable path to pursue. As I said earlier and as someone else said, it looks like they are holding out on the intellectual property angle with yous taying in the same business. But if you can prove you use it as a personal number equally as much may also have some sway.