Many mobile phone rates will increase in April because they are related to inflation. Switching to a cheaper contract with another network provider is often worthwhile. Keeping your usual mobile phone number is easy and free. The “Krone” explains how easy it is.
More than 100,000 mobile phone customers have ported this number in recent quarters to get a better rate. The process is well practiced and largely automatic. Strictly speaking, you are only legally entitled to this if you “really” change providers, but not if you only change brands with the same operator (for example from A1 to bob, both of which are active in the Telekom Austria network). In fact, this is usually accepted, but you should still inquire in advance to be sure.
The next step: With the current network you will need to obtain your NÜV information (“number porting information”). This has been free since 2022 and confirms the contractual relationship. In addition, the request also serves as termination of the old contract. To be on the safe side, you can also send a formal cancellation notice. The NÜV can be requested via the hotline, in one of the operator’s stores or by email. A store of the chosen new network operator may also do this. In any case, this may only last until the following working day; the NÜV is then valid for 90 days. So you have enough time during this period to choose another contract at your leisure.
In two steps to a new contract with an old song
With this NÜV data you can then submit a request to transfer your telephone number to the new provider. For discounters without their own branches, this is of course only possible via the hotline, the Internet or by purchasing a starter package (for example at a supermarket) and activating it. You then send the NÜV with the instruction to transfer the number to the selected network provider. This is also used to agree on the date for the changeover, which usually takes place at night so that you don’t notice it. However, the so-called porting process can take several days.
What is important is that neither the old nor the new cell phone network company should charge anything for the process. Of course, you only have to pay this if there is still an outstanding invoice.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
