Landline Number Porting: EE > TalkTalk.

RepublicOfKent

Hi guys,

I'm wanting to switch landline and broadband provider from EE to TalkTalk, but want to keep my existing landline number.

I've spoken with TalkTalk 3 times on the phone and they say that, for some reason, they're unable to port my number from EE.

I wrote a formal complaint letter to TalkTalk (concerns@talktalkplc.com, if you're interested!) and got a message back this morning saying "unfortunately we cannot port your line from EE to TalkTalk cause we do not accept existing lines from EE."

Ofcom say that "Number portability is a regulated facility which allows customers to keep their numbers when changing provider." and that they've managed to fine a company for not allowing number porting.

Web search "ofcom number-portability-info" to find the page.

Web search "ofcom we-fight-for-your-right-to-port-a-number" to find the page.

What's strange with this one is that the rules are really about providers not allowing their existing customers to port their numbers to a new provider. This one's about a new provider not being able to port from an existing provider...

Anyway....my question is.... Does anyone know to whom I can whinge further. Ofcom have a Make A Complaint page (web search "Ofcom SitesFormCCTMonitoring" to find the page), but it states specifically that it cannot investigate individual cases. Which makes it a bit useless, really. And a bit confusing - on their page talking about the case I mentioned above, they have a complainant, so they must be able to investigate individual cases...

Web search "Ofcom open-cases/cw_01211" to find the page.

Cheers,

Mark.

societys_child

Past few years I've switched EE > Talktalk > Vodafone and the new provider simply took over the LL.


Usually involves switching a couple of wires around in the local exchange, never heard it referred to as 'porting'.


I know Sky sometimes retained your number, don't know if they still do.

scones

I have a feeling that the rule is that your existing provider has to let you port your number to a new provider. This stops your current phone company unfairly holding your number hostage to prevent you taking your business elsewhere.

There doesn't seem to be any obligation on a company to accept a transferred-in number when taking on a new customer.

It's a pain, but ultimately TalkTalk don't have to accept your custom - they may simply have made a business decision that the technical or administrative burden of transferring in a number isn't worth the effort.

AnouskaT

I'm having the same problem switching from PlusNet to TalkTalk. The cynic in me says it's a delaying tactic to prevent me from getting their promotional deal! TalkTalk say I can phone them to join with a new phone number (I don't think I'll get the offer or cash back voucher).