Original Landline phone number retrieval

[Barry9027]

I have recently swapped broadband/talk from Now to Sky and was told I couldn't keep my phone number as BT wouldn't allow it.  I was told I could reapply for it after the number switch if it was still available. Does anyone know who do I get in touch with?

[Daniel0210]

@Barry9027 

If I remember correctly Sky can only transfer a number that is currently still active, not one that has slipped into the large pot of now unconnected numbers and even then it's not guaranteed.

@Barry9027 

Edit: 

If you wanted to keep your old landline number you had to request it at the time of ordering and even then it can't be guaranteed. From the Sky help pages…

Your phone number

Most of the time you can keep your existing number when moving to Sky Talk. Just let us know your existing number and your phone provider when placing your order.

Good to know: Order Sky Talk before cancelling with your current provider – we won’t be able to transfer your number if you cancel with them first.

If we can’t transfer your number or you want a new one, you’ll get an email or letter with your new number. 

[Mark39]

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@Daniel0210 wrote:

@Barry9027 

If I remember correctly Sky can only transfer a number that is currently still active, not one that has slipped into the large pot of now unconnected numbers and even then it's not guaranteed.

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Yep, that's my understanding.

It's not always possible to keep your number when switching. 

[Barry9027]

When I joined Sky I was with Now Broadband which I believe to be part of the Sky Group and there was no break as activation was done on the same day but for some reason they told me that I couldnt keep my  number but could reapply for it later to see if it was available

[Mark39]

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@Barry9027 wrote:

When I joined Sky I was with Now Broadband which I believe to be part of the Sky Group and there was no break as activation was done on the same day but for some reason they told me that I couldnt keep my  number but could reapply for it later to see if it was available

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Nothing further I can add, I'm afraid.

[TimmyBGood]

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@Barry9027 wrote:

When I joined Sky I was with Now Broadband which I believe to be part of the Sky Group

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Issues with moving a number between Now and Sky Broadband despite (or perhaps because of) them having the same owner (and essentially the same infrastructure) have been reported before in this forum.

[Roseley+Barn]

My elderly parents are moving house and have had the same landline number for 50+ years. When they moved from BT to Sky they kept their landline number but now that they are moving house - within the same Area Code but staying with Sky - they are being told that they can't keep their current landline number and will be allocated a new one. This makes no sense and for elderly people causes real distress as old friends would be unable to contact them. Can anyone suggest possible solutions? Many thanks

[Daniel0210]

@Roseley+Barn 

Unfortunately your parents have been correctly informed and I don't know a way of keeping the number. The Sky website Home Move information states:

Landline Number - If you're moving Sky Broadband and/or Talk, we'll give you a new landline number. You can't keep your old number.

The customer has to click on 'I understand' before continuing. 

[Roseley+Barn]

Thanks Daniel, that seems ridiculous but that's Sky for you!! Do you know if my parents can leave Sky and then port their current landline number across to another provider such as BT?