Ask Susan: Switching providers leaves phone number in limbo

Photo / HOS

Q: I have been a Slingshot customer since 2011. Three months ago I tried to switch to Vodafone but it was going to take more than a month so I decided to stay with Slingshot. In the meantime, Vodafone had ported my landline number to their services. Since then, I have been waiting to get my number back to Slingshot. Every time I ring Slingshot it is usual to waste at least an hour of my time. Why should I pay for my landline when I can't use it?

A: Slingshot has given you a $200 credit for the inconvenience.

They tell me that what happened to you is rare. Vodafone started the transfer process but then when you stopped it, the number was "mid-port". When Slingshot tried to get it back, the porting was rejected. The number was in limbo and neither Vodafone nor Slingshot was able to identify it. They say because it was a complex case, it took a while to resolve but your account should be running as usual again now.