Keep old number when moving home

[Kevjeff54]

We hope to move house in the next few weeks and wish to keep our existing number that we have had for almost 37 years. We are moving less than 1 mile and remain in a similar postcode and phone exchange. 
mid we have to take a new number we might also leave sky talk & broadband and return to BT. 
Is the new number rule with Sky hard and fast?

[Mark39]

It seems to be, I'm afraid. Sky's help here states:

"We provide you with a new phone number as part of your home move. It's not possible to transfer your existing one. Your new number will be in the confirmation email we send with your activation and installation dates."

[Kevjeff54]

Sadly not the answer I was looking for and wondered why Sky are so rigid on this?

[Mark39]

I don't know. My assumption is that it's a technical constraint of some sort.

[Lisa-P1987]

It's usually the same with all line providers as the telephone number is linked to the physical line to the property. This decision isn't down to Sky, it's Openreach. 

[Kevjeff54]

It seems that contrary to the answer from a Sky employee it is only Sky who don't allow number transfer which seems odd. Since BT provide most of the infrastructure and they could switch the number to a new address in a nearby location, surely it's the flick of a switch?

[COOPERCREW]

So, Does this mean if we contact Openreach prior to the move we can arrange the number to move with us and they then work with you to make that a possibility???

Just seems odd, that if I moved house with any other provider I can port the number as long as it is the same exchange/area... which it is as we're moving 1 road parrallel to us!

Regards

Rich

[GD1]

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@Kevjeff54 wrote:

It seems that contrary to the answer from a Sky employee it is only Sky who don't allow number transfer which seems odd. Since BT provide most of the infrastructure and they could switch the number to a new address in a nearby location, surely it's the flick of a switch?

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It's a tad more involved than a "flick of the switch"

[Mark39]

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@COOPERCREW wrote:

So, Does this mean if we contact Openreach prior to the move we can arrange the number to move with us and they then work with you to make that a possibility???

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I imagine Openreach would refer you back to Sky, as Sky is your provider. Openreach only talk to consumers in very specific circumstances which don't include this, to my knowledge. 

[COOPERCREW]

Okay then... so who do you contact? If not openreach (who do the lines and infrastructure); BT?  Or do we simply leave sky and move to a provider that WILL move your number with you? Seems daft that this can't be worked around in this supposed technologically advanced age by Sky when other providers appear to be able to do so.... not even an option to pay an engineer. 

[Mark39]

BT are only another customer of Openreach - the same as Sky - so they wouldn't be able to help a non-BT customer.

I don't know if you would be able to port your number to your new home after switching to a different provider. I guess you would have to check with them. However, timing might be an issue, as switching to another provider,normally takes 10-14 days.

[marg7]

Moving house. Want yo keep landline telephone number.only moving 1 mile, same code.

[Mark39]

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@marg7 wrote:

Moving house. Want yo keep landline telephone number.only moving 1 mile, same code.

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Not possible. See the previous replies and this guide from Sky: https://www.sky.com/help/articles/home-move-more-info

[simon194]

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@Mark39 wrote:

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@marg7 wrote:

Moving house. Want yo keep landline telephone number.only moving 1 mile, same code.

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Not possible. See the previous replies and this guide from Sky: https://www.sky.com/help/articles/home-move-more-info

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I wouldn't be surprised if the lack of number porting is a constraint of the Sky Voice and Broadband Network (SVBN) because it is/was an issue with Talk Talk who also use LLU lines. SVBN leaves the Openreach network at headend exchanges so landlines are handled on Sky's kit.

[marg7]

I have a full package with Sky, TV, broadband and phone. I have found out that Sky cannot allow you tokeep telephone number when you move house. However, you may be able to keep the same number if you go back to BT, transfer broadband and you are still in the same telephone area. BT is mor expensive than Sky and it will probably take 14 for BT to take over the number then Sky can transfer the television package. There is also the charges Sky will charge if you break you contract which is usually 18 months. BT will look to reimburse only the broadband charges. I really wanted to keep my home telephone number but don't think it is worth the hassle with all the other things to sort out when moving. Hope this helps someone else though.