Have I been lied to by o2??

Anonymous · ‎15-01-2011

Hi all, would appreciate the advice if possible!
I lost my perm job over a year ago and fell behind on my payments,my debts eventually passed onto a debt collection agency. While doing short term temp jobs I paid off the debt recently. I know it took me a long time but it was over £800 and I didn't earn much dong the jobs.
The number was a 'VIP' number I purchased from someone (originally on Vodafone) and brought to o2 so would really like it back. At the moment I'm not in a job but don't want to lose it. I was looking to have it as a pay as you go chip till I get a perm job and have the line reconnected. I was told by o2 customer services that it was not possible as it had passed the 3 month limit to have a number reconnected. Also that the number would revert back to Vodafone who could reconnect it. When I said I want to speak to someone higher up regarding this issue she said she would pass me through to the debt management department. Then came back and said they have no need to speak to me as they would just repeat the same information. I was told to speak to Vodafone. I did who told me they wouldn't get the number back unless it was transferred over using a PAC code. Also that it would pass on to the o2 number recycling bin and be reused.
To be honest I'm quite fed up and just want my number back. I paid money for it, honored my debt to o2 and want to use it again. What are my rights (if I have any) and what can I do?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
San

adamtemp64 · ‎15-01-2011

go to the o2 support site and type in complain then follow the information there.
Put the facts in an email to the complaint review service.
They may be able to help you or not but that is the top level complaints department you will get an automated email confirming reciept and then 7-14 days for them to come back to you.

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Anonymous · ‎15-01-2011

All I can tell you is that numbers issued in the UK belong to the issuing network so yes, after a predefined time, it will be back in the hands of Vodafone for re-issuing. If that has happened there is little O2 can do.
If it hasn't happened yet, then going through the procedure in the previous post is your best bet.

Anonymous · ‎15-01-2011

You need to have the number reconnected in order to get a PAC code for it or to migrate it to pay and go.
o2 are under no obligation to reconnect you, especially if you were disconnected in the first place due to debt.
There isn't really anywhere you can go with this. You can complain to the complaint review service at o2 but I'd imagine you'll get the same response back seeing as o2 aren't in the wrong.

perksie · ‎15-01-2011

Why would O2 lie to you?
You only keep any rights to a number while you maintain your account in working order, when that lapsed so did any claim you may have had unfortunately.
You can buy the use of a number, but you can never own it.

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Anonymous · ‎15-01-2011

It's Vodafone who have given wrong advice. A disconnected number goes back to the number pool of the issuing network. If it hasn't been re-issued then they can sell it back to you.
I don't think O2 can do anything for you. You could try writing a friendly letter to O2 asking if they can help. But I certainly wouldn't complain.