Do I own my phone number?

Barak_2

I have a phone contract with o2 which has a few months left to run.
When I moved to the contract I brought my phone number (which had been PAYG - let's call it number 1) with me.

My question is, does o2 'own' this number, or do I?

I ask because I want to switch number 1 back to a PAYG, and replace it in the contract with a second phone number, (for which I'll continue paying the contract until it runs out.)
I want to do this without having to buy out the remainder of the contract.

If I own the number this should be possible. If o2 own the number, they could say no.
But I feel that I should own the number, since I brought it to them in the first place - my contract is to pay for x mins/texts/data, not the specific number.

I'd be grateful if anyone could answer, or even point me to somewhere official where the answer is written.
O2's contract states: 'we will allocate you a number...doesn't belong to you.'
But, they didn't allocate me a number - it came from my previous PAYG SIM.

Si682000

You can port number 1 to another network by requesting a PAC (port authority code) from O2 but as soon as you use the PAC then it will cancel the O2 contract and you'll be liable for early termination fees. I'm not sure whether you can port number 2 onto your contract - you'd be wise to ask O2 themselves. Best of luck.

DUTR

Barak wrote: »

I have a phone contract with o2 which has a few months left to run.
When I moved to the contract I brought my phone number (which had been PAYG - let's call it number 1) with me.

My question is, does o2 'own' this number, or do I?

I ask because I want to switch number 1 back to a PAYG, and replace it in the contract with a second phone number, (for which I'll continue paying the contract until it runs out.)
I want to do this without having to buy out the remainder of the contract.

If I own the number this should be possible. If o2 own the number, they could say no.
But I feel that I should own the number, since I brought it to them in the first place - my contract is to pay for x mins/texts/data, not the specific number.

I'd be grateful if anyone could answer, or even point me to somewhere official where the answer is written.
O2's contract states: 'we will allocate you a number...doesn't belong to you.'
But, they didn't allocate me a number - it came from my previous PAYG SIM.

You don't own the number EVER, just like you don't own the registration plates on a car (even 'private plates').

Ofcom and Telephone Numbers
The situation with telephone numbers and ownership is quite clear but definitely not obvious. So with all the usual disclaimers about not relying on this without taking professional advice I'll try and explain how telephone numbers work in the UK.
Who is Ofcom?
Ofcom was established as a body corporate by the Office of Communications Act 2002. Ofcom is the regulator for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services. The Secretary of State responsible can wind it up at any time.
So who does own telephone numbers?
There seems to be no concept of telephone number ownership - it seems no one "owns" them.
The question is then who manages them and the answer to that is clear. Ofcom says:-
"Telephone numbers are a critical national resource, for consumers, businesses and the delivery of key public services. They must be managed effectively, so that they are available when needed, do not have to be changed, and mean something to those who call them. This is Ofcom's responsibility."
Ofcom got this responsibility from Oftel when they packed up and Oftel got it from BT when they were privatised.
So you don't own your phone numbers?
You don't own your phone numbers and they can be changed at any time. Ofcom have demonstrated this on many occasions such as the reallocation of London codes.

Buzby

OFCOM own the numbers (it is a 'resource') and the networks pay fees for the number blocks they request and use. The consumer is able to transfer their use of an allocated number to a different vendor (network) and providing they pay for ongoing services using that line number, they will retain exclusive use of it.

When they cease such payment, the number is repatriated to the originating network where it is then reissued or if he number ranges have been ceased, 'returned' to OFCOM.