Keep number across O2 contracts.

[Anonymous]

Hi.

This is a quick follow-up to a live chat I just had with a representative. Backstory:

I've seen a Note8 on O2 on mobiles.co.uk, unlimited minutes, unlimited messages and 10gb of data - £150 up front cost, £39 a month. (plus the insurance extras they'll probably throw in and I'll cancel immediately...)

The customer service rep says that if I order this, and call them when I receive the phone, I can pay the remaining O2 contract off on my phone, and they'll be able to sort out the number swap for me.

I've talked to a few friends who have said that they have tried to the same thing, with different phones and have been unable to do so. Ie: you can't transfer your number from an O2 contract, to another O2 contract ordered from a third party supplier.

Just wondering if anybody can offer any practical experience as to whether this will be an issue or not before I drop the money on then new contract.

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

You can do it but I suggest you call O2 yourself to do it rather than trusting it to CPW.
Once you move your number it will immediately cancel your current contract and generate a final bill which may include any penalty fees if your current contract has not reached its minimum term.

[gmarkj]

Yes - did exactly the same last March when I upgraded.
Used Mobiles on a deal, paid the last payment on my old phone contract, transferred number.
At the time I wondered why it wasn't going through and it was because the last payment hadn't cleared through the system.
My advice - make sure you see a 0 balance on the phone part before doing it.
Also be aware that you will likely pay a month on both during the switch over - unless you clock it exactly right.

[Marjo]

Hey @Anonymous welcome to our forum!  Please can you update us on your progress? Did you get all the info you needed?

Thanks @MI5 and @gmarkj for your help!