What is local number portability?
Local number portability lets you change the phone company that provides you with your network access and local calls without changing your telephone number(s). Taking your phone number to another phone company is commonly known as 'porting'.
Porting means that you can find the best phone company and rates for you without having to worry about the hassles of changing your phone number.
Will I get the same standard of service?
The ACMA and industry have set up certain criteria and standards for your protection. These standards ensure that you will not be disadvantaged by choosing to port your number, and that any difference in service between having a ported number and a non-ported number should be minimal.
For example, if you keep your telephone number when transferring from company A to company B, you can expect to receive the same level of service as any other customer of company B.
In other words, the level of service that you receive must not be affected by your decision to keep your existing phone number (this does not mean that company B has to provide the same range of features as company A).
Will I keep the same specific services when I change my phone company?
Some services, such as call waiting or message bank, may not be provided by your new phone company. You should check with them before agreeing to change companies if you wish to keep such additional services.
Can I move house and keep my phone number?
This is called 'location portability'. You are not porting your number in this case because your phone company remains the same. Location portability is possible as long as your new house is also serviced by your local phone company and is within the same telephone charging zone and exchange service area. It is recommended that you consult your phone company to confirm whether or not it is possible in your situation.
More information
For more information about local number portability contact the ACMA's Broadband Applications and Services Section on (03) 9963 6800.
Please note: this document is intended as a guide only and should not be relied on as legal advice or regarded as a substitute for legal advice in individual cases.
