Is It Possible to Choose a Specific Mobile Number?

LCoxy777 on 07/02/2024 - 13:58

Hi all, I'm wondering if any telco in Australia will allow you to connect a specific mobile number?

A few years ago I left Australia (seemingly for good) and upon my return setup a fresh plan with a new number. Long story short, I have a service with 2FA that is still linked to my old mobile number. Clearly I cannot receive the codes and the service is unable to turn off 2FA.

I have called the number in question and the message states it is not in service. So, can I request this number when connecting a new plan? I have tried the Amaysim "choose a new number" but cannot get the number to generate.

From searching my emails and memory, I am fairly sure the number was originally from a Telstra pre-paid sim pack back in 2013. In true ozbargain fashion it was ported through many other telcos and was possibly with Boost when I went overseas. For reference it is not a gold number or anything fancy.

Appreciate any input.

Mobile

Comments

  • CodeXD on 07/02/2024 - 14:04
    +6

    You'll need to contact first provider who issued the number

    You can find out who the first provider is from the website (Click numbering system -> search for any number from the top tab)

    https://www.acma.gov.au/reclaim-your-phone-number-telco

    • mskeggs on 07/02/2024 - 14:14

      Note from that page: "A telco does not have to reissue your number."

      In my experience, it will be a struggle to even find someone who knows how to do this.

      • jv on 07/02/2024 - 14:47
        +6

        Note from that page: "A telco does not have to reissue your number."

        In my case, the Ombudsman stepped in and they did reissue the number.

        • bmerigan on 07/02/2024 - 21:11

          Such a Karen move

          • jv on 07/02/2024 - 21:40

            @bmerigan: unless you need the number and the Telco had no authority to take it off you in the first place.

            • bmerigan on 07/02/2024 - 22:09

              @jv: "took it off you" sounds like it would be quite a story.

    • Coxy777 on 07/02/2024 - 14:14

      Amazing information! Thank you so much, I was not aware such a thing existed. Already confirms it was in fact Telstra who were allocated the number originally. Fingers crossed they are willing to reissue it.

      • pjetson on 07/02/2024 - 14:30
        +1

        Let us know the outcome.

        • Coxy777 on 07/02/2024 - 14:53
          +2

          I will, nothing worse than unanswered forum topics.

          So far I have found over the phone or in-store are the only methods available, online chat team can't help.

    • 87percent on 07/02/2024 - 17:05

      This is correct

      If you have previously owned the number, you have a higher chance of getting the number back.

  • Benoffie on 07/02/2024 - 14:52
    +1

    It depends on the number. It can be reissued by the issuing carrier but some numbers are referred to as gold numbers and come at a premium. If yours happened to be one of those, they can charge extra.

    The issue is getting to someone with access, especially if you're not account managed.

    I would, for the sake of process - try the script monkeys first. When they say no, write to customer relations/CEs office and ask them nicely.

    • Coxy777 on 07/02/2024 - 14:55

      Thanks for the input, as I said it's not a gold number. I have spoken to online chat who can't help, they recommend phone or in-store.

      • sam-1966 on 07/02/2024 - 15:56

        Now that you actually want the number reissued, it will probably get reclassified as gold.

  • 87percent on 07/02/2024 - 17:05
    +2

    If you want to pm me the number, I can check if you can get it back

  • Shak2093 on 07/02/2024 - 19:40

    Your best bet is playing nice with your local telco retail employee's. As someone who has worked across the industry its entirely possible to choose a specific number AND also have the fee waived. The good numbers (lucky numbers, repeating digits etc) all cost money and come in tiers. This is one of those things that some more senior employee's would know how to do, it's just a matter of whether they want to or not. Calling up or going online is probably going to get you the scripted replies with limited scope for creativity from the call centre staff.

  • djsweet on 07/02/2024 - 19:54

    Going in store might be worthwhile Voda was able to search available numbers and let me choose one I liked. So I imagine it can be done.

  • deutscheaux on 08/02/2024 - 11:37
    +1

    DM me. I can help. I’ve only lurked until now so new account can’t DM yet.

  • Coxy777 on 28/02/2024 - 11:24
    +2

    I can now confirm this is possible! A very friendly Ozbargainer helped hugely with the process, they may wish to stay anonymous so I won't name names. As the number hadn't been reissued my details were still recorded against it which made life easier. For reference stores are not all that helpful, but it is certainly possible.

  • xuyao956 on 03/04/2024 - 16:08

    Hi Coxy. My parents went overseas for almost a year and when they came back last week, the old number was disconnected. My mum had been using this number for more than 10 years. It would be a disaster if she had to change her number. I could not even remember who her previous mobile plan was with. I tried calling different providers but her details were removed from their system. Can you please tell me who could help us. Thank you very much!

    • CodeXD on 04/04/2024 - 10:33

      Did you read the first comment in this post to find out who the first provider is and contact them?

  • xuyao956 on 04/04/2024 - 10:37

    Yes. I did. I found the first provider was Vodafone. I called them. They said I was almost right. Howecer, they said once the number is disconnected. It does not come back to them. It will go through a recycle process and whichever provider gets is completely random.

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