Transferring BT number to existing Virgin VOIP landline

I forgot to say that, unlike BT's Smart hub 2, VM's hub requires an adapter to enable you to connect your analogue handset. VM should send one to you but, if VM is tardy about it, you can get one on eBay and several other retailers (look for an RJ11 to BT adapter). It looks like this. You plug your phone line into it and the other connector goes into the hub's TEL 1 port.

Thank you

I'm sorry to say that you have not been advised well. VM does of course have a VoIP system - how else could it work without phone lines - and there is no reason to port it to some VoIP provider.

As for porting: there are sometimes problems but it's over the top to say it's unsafe to port to VM. Porting is regulated by OFCOM and providers are required to resolve problems. And if it's unsafe to port to VM, then it's unsafe to port to anyone. My advice is to proceed by following these procedures.

1. Do not cancel your BT line. This is the biggest reason why ports fail. 
Cancelling BT yourself kills the number before VM can grab it.

2. Provide BT account holder name, address, and number exactly as on BT’s bill as even small mismatches can cause rejections.

3. Make sure VM raises a “Gaining Provider Led” port request. And don't breathe a word about this to BT, let VM handle everything.

4. Keep BT active until the port completes (usually 1–10 days.)

5. Once the number ports BT will close automatically - so you won't have to cancel manually.

Bit hard to understand the detail of your last post.

If you have a phone-line-only service with BT, you should be able to port that number to VM assuming the BT line is currently active. VM requests BT to port the number. BT releases the number to VM's control. Your existing VM number disappears from your VM landline and is automatically replaced by the BT number. Porting the number should close down the BT phone line.

You don't say what sort of alarm system you are using (security, personal, medical etc.) but, if you intend to use that connected to a VM landline via the VM hub, this would not work if the VM hub loses power (e.g. a power cut). Any alarm service would be best configured to work via mobile/SIM or have a mobile/SIM backup in case the VM landline goes down.

Suggest you reply to the PM from Sabrina_B to discuss what VM can do for you in moving the number to VM

I have just had a very disturbing phone call with BT, regarding the Home Phone option that I have now been offered, that if I do take this option while maintaining Virgin Broadband, then Openreach has been known to 'snatch' the virgin broadband away and customers have lost their Virgin broadband without notice (which presumably would then mean losing all Virgin email addresses as well. No idea if that would impact TV). 

I find it hard to believe that this could happen, but it is very concerning.

I am so fed up with this all and it is far too complicated for me to understand when everyone is saying different things. Off for a lie down.

We ported 3 BT landlines to Sipgate a VoIP provider. ( others offer a similar service )

The 2 line and numbers for our building alarm and home phone are 
configured on a Cisco ATA.   The 3rd on a SIP Phone.

My #1 concern was to avoid any of the 3 telephone numbers becoming part of an ISP bundle where control is instantly lost.   Plus a genuine VoIP service is not dependent on a given ISP or  building. I can make / take a VoIP call in Colchester or Bordeaux with equal ease.

Hi heather22 👋.

Thanks for reaching out to us, sorry to hear of the confusion you are facing with your landline number, so that we can look into this and advise accordingly we would need to bring you in for a private message. Please look out for the envelope on the top right of your web browser or if you are using a mobile device, it will be located under your profile icon.

Thanks.

Sabrina

AFAIK VM is not a proper VOIP at this time.  It still uses an exchange at the back end.   

For ease, just port your BT number to a VOIP supplier.  Once done, you can use this number with any ISP, and any mobile provider.  Once the port is done, your BT landline will cease to work. 

If you get something like a Grandstream HT812 ATA, you can keep your existing wiring and phones.  Some VOIP suppliers can also supply pre configured Base stations and phones if required.