Forum Discussion

Conrad2024's avatar
Conrad2024
Joining in
2 years ago
Solved

How do I get an available landline number?

Hi all.

Had landline disabled a few weeks ago. I'd like it to be enabled again.

If the original number I was given is available, will I have to take that or can I choose another?

The one I need is the one I had with Plusnet a few years ago. I rang it and it seems available due to the long tone I could hear. It also showed as 'number not valid' (or words to that effect) on my mobile.

If possible, would I need to contact Plusnet or just Virgin?

Presumably since the number's not available, no-one really owns it except for maybe BT?

Thanks in advance.

 

Landline
number
Plusnet
VIRGIN
  • nodrogd's avatar
    nodrogd
    2 years ago

    VM can only port in numbers from an ACTIVE account with another provider. Your PlusNet number, which was actually leased from BT, will now be on BTs customer re-allocation pool for their customers. VM no longer has rights to it as the lease ends once the landline account holding the number has closed.

    VM will allocate you a vacant number from their own pool of numbers. Bear in mind that all numbers are recycled, so you are likely to still get calls aimed at the previous user.

7 Replies

  • nodrogd's avatar
    nodrogd
    Very Insightful Person
    2 years ago

    VM can only port in numbers from an ACTIVE account with another provider. Your PlusNet number, which was actually leased from BT, will now be on BTs customer re-allocation pool for their customers. VM no longer has rights to it as the lease ends once the landline account holding the number has closed.

    VM will allocate you a vacant number from their own pool of numbers. Bear in mind that all numbers are recycled, so you are likely to still get calls aimed at the previous user.

    • Conrad2024's avatar
      Conrad2024
      Joining in
      2 years ago

      Thanks nodrogd.

      And would it be possible for Virgin to 'ask' BT if they can have that particular number so it can be passed on to myself?

      • nodrogd's avatar
        nodrogd
        Very Insightful Person
        2 years ago
        Conrad2024 wrote:

        Thanks nodrogd.

        And would it be possible for Virgin to 'ask' BT if they can have that particular number so it can be passed on to myself?

        As I said. Virgin has no rights to use it once you terminate your telephone account. They cannot ask for it back.