Take your mobile number with you - how it works
Taking your cell phone number with you when changing providers is not a problem. We show you how to do this and what you need to consider here.
Take your mobile number with you when changing providers
Since 2002, it is basically no problem to take the phone number with you from every provider. The Federal Network Agency determined that the mobile phone number does not belong to the provider, but to you as the customer. However, there are a few things to consider before porting:
- You should apply for the number to be taken in good time. You are on the safe side if you request the porting together with the timely cancellation.
- If you have forgotten the application, you have four weeks after the end of the contract to submit it. The provider can then pass on the number.
- You must also apply for porting from the new provider. This is also the order to collect the number from the old provider. This service is not free of charge. But the Federal Network Agency has also made regulations here. The upper limit of the fees that the old provider can charge is 30.72 euros.
The number can also be taken away if you conclude a contract before the old one ends. The new provider will assign you a provisional number until porting. This simply disappears if your old number has been accepted after all deadlines have been met. Most of the time you will be informed by SMS about the successful take-away.
In any case, you should inquire about the conditions with the new provider before changing. Some providers even pay a bonus if you bring your number with you.
Porting with the prepaid tariff
You can also apply for porting with a prepaid tariff. In this case you have to sign a waiver. You should have enough money on the prepaid card so that the applicable fees can be debited. Under certain circumstances, the existing credit may expire due to the waiver.
Due to the porting, you can hardly tell from the cell phone number which network it belongs to. Here you will find tips to help you find the provider.