Trying to move to EE for the last 6 months, HELP!

week

Have tried to move from Tesco to EE since August 2013 and not sure what to do next. Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.
EE tell me we need a new line, that there is no active line according to Openreach. We have and have had the line and number for 25 years and it has never been disconnected. The order has been placed 3 times with EE and no engineer has ever came out to us.
We were with BT for years and then BE unlimited for 2 years and then Tesco for the last 18 months. The change from BT to BE unlimited and then onto Tesco was done with relative ease but now we seem stuck with Tesco or will need a new line/number which I dont want.

EE suggest I contact BT to find out why it says there is no active line at the property when clearly there is! Who can I call/email. Also they say Tesco wont release the number, it is my number surely? My contract with Tesco was only for 12 months so I am not tied in to them.

Please can someone advise?

Thanks,

spyhunter

Tesco provide their Landline and broadband service over whats known as LLU (local loop unbundling).
This is where the service provider has there own equipment installed in or near the telephone exchange to provide services or wholesales the service from another communications provider other than BT wholesale.


As all orders are placed through Openreach, It is possible to port from one provider to another regardless of who you are currently with or what technology is used.

However...

Some providers don't have the necessary systems and processes in place to do this. This is where the issue comes up.

EE don't use LLU so changing to them will mean returning your line back to the BT wholesale network. EE will tell you a new line is needed, because they can't port the number if they have no porting agreement with your current service provider.

BT will port you back for free with the same number but you will be tied to a 12 month line contract with them.

If your not bothered about keeping the number then cancel with Tesco and order a new line with EE. Be aware that a charge may be raised for both a cease and reprovide.