Switch just phone service away from Virgin Media (to VoIP)?

Johnny2R

I am in the process of trying to switch our broadband from Virgin Media, probably to PlusNet. So as to be able to continue using a landline, I have set up an account with the VoIP provider Andrews and Arnold, which is currently functional with a new test number I took out. My plan was to make sure this was OK then if so, port my existing landline number before making the broadband switch. But having started the process of porting, it looks like Virgin Media think this means I want to cease the broadband and TV as well, which I don't (well, I do ultimately, but not until the phone is working fine). Does anyone know whether the phone services is a separable component with VM, or whether cancelling it necessarily means cancelling the whole lot (which it shouldn't)?

hpuse

Johnny2R said:

I am in the process of trying to switch our broadband from Virgin Media, probably to PlusNet. So as to be able to continue using a landline, I have set up an account with the VoIP provider Andrews and Arnold, which is currently functional with a new test number I took out. My plan was to make sure this was OK then if so, port my existing landline number before making the broadband switch. But having started the process of porting, it looks like Virgin Media think this means I want to cease the broadband and TV as well, which I don't (well, I do ultimately, but not until the phone is working fine). Does anyone know whether the phone services is a separable component with VM, or whether cancelling it necessarily means cancelling the whole lot (which it shouldn't)?

Yes, it is indeed possible to port the telephone number out from Virginmedia. 

Please check if your current VM phoneline is part of a 'bundle' and whether it has any terms attached.

The process of porting is similar to porting mobile numbers, however a bit more cumbersome.

1. Get the new landline with a new provider, here you will get a a brand new number

2. After the new landline is up and running, raise a request for PAC from them on the old number VM (this takes about 2-3 weeks)

3. Create a new order/request with your new provider to port IN a number

4. As a last step, the current service provider of your new landlinew will need to raise a request and liaise with Openreach engineers to transfer the PAC from old telephone exchange of VM to the new setup (again this takes about 2-3 weeks).

Good luck!