Phone Number Stolen & Line Disconnected

braimoh123

It all started (3rd Feb 2016) after I investigated BT Broadband as an option to TalkTalk.
After listening to the salesperson, I declined to sign-up.
Shortly after, I received an email l from BT - not only acknowledging my 'purchase' of the broadband service... but also including Sky Sports.
I then received another email from BT stating that my existing landline phone number had been 'requested by another service provider' and would be disconnected (on 12th Feb 2016) unless I called BT to say otherwise.
Bemused, I immediately called BT . "A mistake", they said. "Don't worry, we'll sort it."
Another email from BT warning of disconnection and many phone calls to BT's 'Options Team'.
My phone was disconnected on 12th Feb. No landline, no broadband, no internet, no e-mails.
No longer bemused, I try to contact the Options Team. Finally, (15/02/2016) after a few hang-ups from their staff, realising they couldn't sell me anything, BT Rep 'Charlotte' says, "You've been 'slammed'. It's our fault you got cut off."
" I feel the pain in your voice," she says, "but it'll take at least 8 days to reconnect you,
However, if you take BT Broadband, I can get it done in 4 days and your old number back."
She then tells me; " When inquiring about BT Broadband, a salesperson takes your details. Confirming the sale, gets his/her commission. That automatically enables the number to be taken by another provider"
Feeling blackmailed in to taking BT Broadband, I formally complain and resort to Twitter.
I then get a call from BT Rep 'James' who says line could be re-connected in 48hrs.
He's right... but with a different number!
So, after 30 years, do I have to get new headed notepaper, business cards, inform friends family and work colleagues, my children's schools and work contacts?
As a broadcast journalist, It'll be interesting to see if my colleagues want to take up the story.

JJ_Egan

How can something you never owned be stolen ??

Business card are we talking about a business contract or a business that is using a residential service ??

Spookieuk

So you were with TalkTalk and looking at moving to BT? If that's the case why are you still chasing BT? Shouldn't you be speaking to TalkTalk about recovering your number and services?

It will likely be still in the pot and could be recovered with the help of Openreach provided you're quick off the mark. Spending time seeing if "my colleagues want to take up the story." is a waste of time. Go get the number back with the help of your existing communications provider.