How to Keep A Phone Number When Changing from Telstra to Exetel nbn FTTN

shutuptakemymoney101 on 25/11/2022 - 21:33
Last edited 25/11/2022 - 21:42 by 1 other user

Hi,

I've been asked by a friend to help her move away from Telstra to Exetel - she has a FTTN connection with a home phone number she wants to keep and she is using a Telstra supplied modem/router (I'm unsure of the model at present).

I've never done a Telstra transfer/churn so I'm unsure of what to do first to ensure she keeps her home phone number.

Does her phone number need to be ported out to a VoIP provider first before starting the transfer/churn to Exetel?

Will moving to Exetel automatically cancel her NBN connection with Telstra or will she need to ring Telstra and cancel - after the transfer is complete?

How long does a FTTN transfer/churn usually take?

Is her Telstra modem/router unlocked and able to be used with her new Exetel connection?

If she can't use her current Telstra modem/router could someone please suggest a reasonably priced modem/router (Wifi 6 not totally necessary) that has good wifi reach and speeds? Built in VoIP would be a nice to have but not totally necessary as we can source a cheap ATA.

Any help appreciated.

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  Jolakot on 25/11/2022 - 21:39

  +4

  Have you tried asking Exetel support?

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  shutuptakemymoney101 on 25/11/2022 - 21:51

  Exetel are only going to recommend modem/routers they sell and support, that's not the sort of recommendation I'm looking for.

  The questions I'm asking would also be pretty straight forward for anyone who has done the same sort of transfer.

  Thanks for your input though.

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  Twix on 25/11/2022 - 21:58

  With VoIP it can take up to a few weeks to port the number across. VoIP with Crazytel doesn't work if you plug in a phone to the Telstra modem. VoIP can be unlocked on select Telstra modems with root access. ATAs are cheaper than a new AVM FRITZ!Box 7530 AX Wi-Fi 6 VDSL2 modem and TP-Link Archer VR2100v Wi-Fi 5 VDSL2 modem.

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  shutuptakemymoney101 on 25/11/2022 - 22:00

  Want to keep it as simple as possible and I know Telstra don't give out their VoIP settings, without having to gain root access on the modem/router I'm guessing porting the number would be the only other option available?

  • 

    Twix on 25/11/2022 - 22:04

    Let Exetel deal with the porting.

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  shutuptakemymoney101 on 25/11/2022 - 22:05

  Won't be porting to Exetel VoIP

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    Twix on 25/11/2022 - 22:08

    1. Port the number to the new VoIP service.
    2. Signup to Exetel.
    3. Cancel Telstra if it doesn't happen automatically.
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      shutuptakemymoney101 on 25/11/2022 - 22:09

      +1

      Thanks, that probably sounds like the safest plan.

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  kfp187 on 25/11/2022 - 22:06

  Can help you if you need to root the modem. They are best off to churn/port the number out from Telstra and move it over to Exetel. I would suggest going with someone like Crazytel instead though… that way if they hate Exetel you aren’t locked because of the VoIP service they offer. You can chase internet deals without losing the home number…
  Keep the Telstra modem if it’s a technicolour model. Also if you root you can put a SIM card in as a backup for if/when they lose internet…

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  shutuptakemymoney101 on 25/11/2022 - 22:08

  Yeah the intension was to move the number to Crazytel as the pricing is much better than Exetel and I've been happy with my services. I don't want to start the move though if it means losing the number.

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    kipps on 25/11/2022 - 22:32

    +1

    Port the number first. Don’t port NBN service until after the number has been cutover first. Otherwise you can lose the number if Telstra cancels bundle before port goes through.

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  lddv04 on 25/11/2022 - 22:55

  We just found the only person in Australia still using a home phone number :-)

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  kfp187 on 26/11/2022 - 06:28

  Yeah port the number first. Will take about a week… start now. Set it up in the modem if you have the right Telstra modem. I have a script that auto fills a majority of the details. Just need to enter the sip details.
  Telstra will cancel the service (good!).
  Once they do sign up to exetel. It’s typically instant (or within a an hour or so). I’d prefer oldies used iPOE. The reason being is its plug and plug. No username and password.
  After a few months exetel can reset the password and guess who’s problem that will be then. (Not always the case and they may never do this but why risk it?) PPPOE Only really helpful if you need a static IP address but doubt that’s required.
  Keep it simple. Consider Superloop!

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  Glenn Ward on 26/11/2022 - 09:52

  Does her phone number need to be ported out to a VoIP provider first before starting the transfer/churn to Exetel? <- No, Exetel can port the number directly into its VoIP service from Telstra. This typically takes 10 business days.

  Will moving to Exetel automatically cancel her NBN connection with Telstra or will she need to ring Telstra and cancel - after the transfer is complete? <- Yes, once the churn-in has completed, Telstra will be automatically notified of the loss. You do not need to contact them.

  How long does a FTTN transfer/churn usually take? <- Fairly quick - from seconds to a few hours depending on the nbn IT workload at the time.

  Is her Telstra modem/router unlocked and able to be used with her new Exetel connection? <- This depends on the Telstra modem/router. Some people report that they are able to reconfigure them, however, the best solution is to purchase the Exetel ZTE H1600 - this will ensure a hassle free setup and full compatibility with the Exetel nbn and VoIP service - with excellent support in the future should there be a service issue of any kind. Doing a BYO modem can always create issues - either with setup or faults. Not worth it in the long run.

  If she can't use her current Telstra modem/router could someone please suggest a reasonably priced modem/router (Wifi 6 not totally necessary) that has good wifi reach and speeds? Built in VoIP would be a nice to have but not totally necessary as we can source a cheap ATA. <- The Exetel ZTE H1600 - meet's all nbn compatibility requirements and is fully supported by Exetel - only $140 delivered by next business day courier.

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  shutuptakemymoney101 on 26/11/2022 - 10:18

  Thank you Glenn and everyone else for your replies, I feel a lot more informed now to be able to help my friend transfer with as little downtime as possible and without losing her number :-)