From now on it is much cheaper to take the number with you. Since April 20, 2020, mobile operators have only been able to charge their former customers a fraction of the costs they have previously charged for porting the old cell phone number to the new provider. Because the Federal Network Agency has capped the fees – to a maximum of 6.82 euros.
During a verification procedure, none of the providers was able to demonstrate higher costs for taking a number with them. For this reason, it was not justified to demand higher amounts from the customer and to profit from a change, the regulators decided.
Number portability: you should pay attention to this
But what should you watch out for when changing and taking your mobile number with you? The three most important tips:
Each invoice contains both the notice period and the last possible day of notice. In principle, you should always cancel the old mobile phone contract yourself. If time is running out and you can no longer wait for confirmation from the provider, a registered letter with return receipt is useful.
The request to take the old cell phone number is always transmitted from the new to the previous provider. The Federal Network Agency advises that it is best to state the request with the new provider as part of the collective agreement and use the exact same personal data as the previous provider. Otherwise the so-called porting can fail.
Read also: How to take the number with you
The porting order must be received by the previous provider at the latest on the day the contract is terminated. Often, the providers allow porting up to 90 days after the end of the contract.
Customers can ask their current provider at any time to transfer the mobile phone number assigned to them to another provider – even within the contract period.
However, the old contract remains valid and must therefore continue to be paid. On request, you even have the right to a new mobile phone number for the duration of the remaining term.
– .
