The thought of changing it when switching mobile carriers or even moving from a landline to a mobile service can be daunting. Fortunately, number portability is a legal right in Canada, allowing consumers to keep their current phone number even when changing service providers. This process, often referred to as “porting,” ensures continuity and convenience.
The Legal Framework
Number portability is mandated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the regulatory body for telecommunications in Canada. This regulation empowers consumers to switch providers without the hassle of updating their contact information with everyone they know.
How Number Portability Works:
The porting process is initiated by the new service provider, not the old one.
Choose Your New Provider: Select your new mobile carrier (e.g., moving from Bell to Rogers) or service type (e.g., moving your landline number to a mobile plan with Telus).
Provide Account Information to New Provider: When signing up, inform your new provider that you wish to keep your existing number. You will need to provide them with accurate information from your old account, including:
The phone number you wish to port
Your existing account number with the old provider.
The account holder’s name and address as it appears on your know your audience: be very clear. who are you trying to reach? old bill.
Sometimes, additional verification like a PIN or the last four digits be numbers of your Social Insurance Number (SIN) might be required, especially for mobile numbers.
New Provider Initiates the Port: Your new provider will submit a porting request to your old provider.
Confirmation and Activation: You might receive a text message or a call to confirm the porting request. Once approved (usually within a few hours for mobile numbers, but up to a few business days for landlines), your old service will be deactivated, and your new service with your existing number will be activated.