Can I keep my phone number when switching providers in Australia?
Yes, you have the legal right to keep your phone number when switching providers in Australia. This process is called porting. Your new provider will handle the transfer, but you must keep your existing service active until the transfer is completely finalized.
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How it works in practice
Understanding Number Porting
In Australia, telecommunications regulations guarantee your right to keep your existing mobile or landline phone number when you switch to a different telco. This process, formally known as "porting," is designed to encourage market competition and make it significantly easier for consumers to find better deals without the hassle of updating their contact details everywhere.
How the Process Works
When you decide to switch providers, you do not need to contact your current provider to cancel your service. Instead, you simply sign up with the new provider and request a number transfer during the activation process. Your new provider will handle the entire backend porting process with your old telco on your behalf.
Security and Timeframes
To protect consumers from unauthorized transfers and fraud, strict identity verification rules apply across the industry. You will usually receive a secure verification code via SMS to your existing number to confirm the transfer request. Mobile number transfers are typically completed within a few hours to a couple of days, while landline transfers can take slightly longer depending on the infrastructure.
Important exceptions
While porting is a universal consumer right in Australia, there are a few important exceptions. You cannot transfer a disconnected or suspended phone number; your current account must remain fully active until the port is finalized.
Additionally, you generally cannot port a landline number if you are moving to a new physical address in a geographic area with a different area code.
Finally, if your physical phone is currently network-locked to a specific provider, you will need to have the device unlocked before you can use the new provider's SIM card, which may involve a separate unlocking fee.
What you should do now
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Choose a new telecommunications provider and purchase a new SIM card or mobile plan.
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Keep your current phone plan active and do not contact your old provider to cancel the service.
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Request a number transfer during the checkout or activation process with your new provider.
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Keep your old SIM card in your phone to receive the mandatory SMS authorization code required by Australian law.
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Insert your new SIM card into your device only after your old service completely stops working, indicating the port is successful.
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