In a bit of a pickle - How to port my number back to Virgin, to the same account?
Okay so basically, here's the story:
I was with Virgin up until 5 days ago, until I couldn't stand the Gio anymore (3 months of hell with that thing..)
So basically, this is how it went down. I decided to give rogers a shot since they basically have similar coverage to Virgin, at least according to the maps, and I was getting a good deal on the hardware for switching over.
So, i ported my number, got a S II LTE, and away i went. I was pretty happy until I started going into stores and out of town, that's when I started dropping calls and service.
Frustrated, I thought it was the SIM. Replaced it, same issues. Decided maybe to try a different phone. I exchanged the phone, and same problems (Bold 9900 this time) and now I want to get out before I get completely locked into the 3 year with crappy service (thank god for the 14 day period).
I noticed that the entire plan is going to be cancelled on April 7th (from when I ported my number from virgin), which means I then have to fork over the rest of my tab plus my last month's bill. I'm thinking, is it possible to port the number back onto my virgin account to the way it was before, like nothing happened? If not, can I port my number back to Virgin and start fresh? I'm aware if this is the case, I would have to pay the tab and other bill but I'm fine with that as long as I get decent service again!
The thing is though I have to retain the number. I can't lose it. I can't afford getting a new number since I have too many contacts to notify at that point. How owuld Rogers proceed with me porting the number out to another carrier, since i'm within the 14 day trial?
You have to be careful. If you return the phone and close the account at Rogers, you will lose that number as soon as the phone is returned. If you ask VMC to port back, you may miss the deadline to return / leave Rogers contract. You have to decide which one is more important to you, the cell phone number or contract penalty. Then you act accordingly, knowing that something MAY go wrong. If you are prepared, then you will not be surprised.
You might need a new VMC SIM, the easiest way is to visit a VMC kiosk and ask them to take care of it. You may end up spending hours on the phone if you try to do it on the phone.
This is a tough one; to keep the same number. Realistically, when you port your number back, Rogers may charge you the cancellation fee.
Being a rep, it is near impossible for us to do. Forewarning, you're in for a struggle to realistically getting your number back on existing tab, and returning the Rogers phone.
I was afraid that was the case. I did speak to someone at rogers and they basically said the same.
My service isn't terrible, but I am annoyed that the service drops to edge from 4G when I'm in a big store like Walmart. At my cottage, the service is almost always edge (it's not that far from st marys or london for that matter) and in both situations my service drops to zero eventually.
I know I can decide between porting my number and paying the penalty or starting fresh.
If I go into rogers to cancel everything (including my current number) and move back to virgin with a fresh number, would I have to pay a penalty in that case? I'm still in the 14 day return period (day 6) and I'm well under 30 minutes of talk time (about 4-5 minutes).
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Side note here, but I thought the 14 day/30 minute policy allowed you to return the hardware, not get you out of the contract? I'm not overly familiar with Rogers policies, but I have a feeling that you're tied to the contract regardless.
Well if that is the case, then that would kind of suck. There is a buyer's remorse and a buyer's preference type of thing on the contract (I read it over), where for the buyer's remorse you can return the phone and cancel the contract without penalty under the condition of 14 days or 30 minutes of talk time, whichever comes first.
For buyer's preference, I think that means if you are unsatisfied with the device, you can exchange in the same time frame as you can return it. Either way, I'll probably head to a rogers store tomorrow and see if I can cancel.
Now, I don't know if Rogers would try to pull a fast one and say I can't cancel the contract, but counting on if that's the case, I could probably tolerate the spotty service and keep my number as long as rogers doesn't stack my bill up with ridiculous charges. Though preferably, I have to admit I'd rather be with Virgin or Bell.
Don't use that Rogers SIM even in another phone for testing. Some reps will check account online to see minute usage, so it may be 30 minutes on the network instead of phone.
1. If you really need to keep that number, then the safest way is to ask VMC to port back your number. Then try to return that disconnected Rogers phone to the store, if they refuse, then try Rogers Corporate store (ie, Rogers Video). If that does not work, then sell that phone ASAP on Craigslist / eBay before losing its value. That hardware sale may help to alleviate your contract penalty. The good news is, Rogers has recently changed their penalty policy so you should not lose too much. http://mobilesyrup.com/2011/12/27/ro...across-canada/
2. If you really want to reduce cost, then the best way is try to get the Rogers refund first by returning an active phone. This way, you get the money in your pocket for sure. Your number will be released back to the original carrier, Virgin Mobile / Bell. It will go into a holding freeze state for 3 months before other people can take it. You quickly call VMC and ask their Back-office to try to get it released to you, without any guarantee that it would be successful. I am not sure about Virgins Tab, but at least you can sign up for BYOP $5-10/month discount this time, which kind of evens out the Tab.
For me, I did the opposite. I have been a Rogers customer for over 10 years. I recently switched to VMC/Bell because of the network congestion. I used to have full signal bars, but no answer. Calls would go directly into voicemail. It's not due to lack of towers (eg, like Mobilicity or Wind). However, it's due to over subscription of customers so all frequencies are occupied. They have to share some frequencies with 2G. So their 3G is kind of thin. They also use the same network for Rogers, Fido, Chatr, Petro Canada Mobile, 7 Eleven SpeakOut, Sears Connect, Primus, GSM roaming, etc. So you can see why they are saturated! I was using my phone ok until last 1-2 years, when those frequencies are occupied by iPhone data. Now it's really bad. I like VMC much better.
Hmm, I actually think I came up with an idea. DOn't know if it's possible, but it would be great if it worked!
What if, I create a rogers prepaid account ($10 for SIM) get a new random number, then ask them to swap the two numbers (there's probably a fee, but i'll pay it), so that the prepaid number goes with the contract, and my number goes on the prepaid. Then, I return the contract phone, and port my number from the prepaid account to virgin?
If that can work, I'll head to a rogers store first thing in the morning and do it. If not, I'll have to digest the fact that I'll lose my number and just have to let my contacts know (yikes....) Any other way seems like it would be too much hassle.
Hmm... you are pretty much in the same situation. Did you find out from the store exactly how much is the penalty if you were to cancel? There may be data ECF on top of the voice ECF. You should know the exact amount to make the best of options.
Hmm... you are pretty much in the same situation. Did you find out from the store exactly how much is the penalty if you were to cancel? There may be data ECF on top of the voice ECF. You should know the exact amount to make the best of options.
Took a look at the thread. Seems very similar. Gave me some hope
And the ECF is $600, the retail value of the phone according to the new ECF Policy. There is supposedly a data cancellation fee if I take data off in the first year. I'm using a Bold right now so if I were to consider reselling, I wouldn't be able to get much for it.
I am going to attempt to save my number first with that method (my mom actually bought a phone on a contract from bell, and got her original prepaid one from bell swapped onto the contract, and the random contract number was moved to the prepaid, so i don't see why it won't work as long as rogers' policy allows it), and if I can't, then I'll just bite it and lose my number. Can't do much at that point. I've already thought it over and I'd rather lose my number than pay a lousy $600 ECF, especially when I am int he 14 day period and haven't even had 5 minutes of call time on my account.
Be careful. Does Rogers even do number swaps from Post to Pre? Virgin doesn't. I know it sounds like a hassle, but, personally I would go back to Virgin, get them to reinstate your account with a new number. Service is better, and I mean, it seems like a hassle, but is cancelling and porting back worth $600?
I would inquire with Virgin Mobile about a port in error. There used to be an option to get the number back and un-cancel your account.
Also call Rogers and say you never wanted to port your current number, you wanted a new number. Tell them you are going to have virgin execute this port in error but you want to make sure the rogers line does not cancel.
once the port is reversed (if possible), you can return the phone/contract.
Theoretically it is possible but you have very limited time and this is NOT something that would be easy to do. And it is likely you won't be able to find someone at either company who knows about this.
For future people reading this thread - if you decided to check out any of the big 3, DO NOT PORT. Test the service first. The big 3 allow you to port in at ANYTIME. Not like the new entrants.
So sorry to hear of any errors or mishaps!
We'd love to help out if you need anything at all!
Shoot us an email at hello@virginmobile.ca and we'll get this resolved for you right away!
Did it go well with Rogers today? I was thinking, maybe you can change your Rogers contract to a very low end phone, like $80 Nokia phone, then port the number back to VMC. This way, your Rogers contract penalty is based on a smaller subsidy.
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Originally Posted by MoreMiles
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