Telco Switcheroo: How to Change SIM-Plan Providers in Australia and Keep Your Number

4 min read

Is there anything more frustrating than having to change your mobile number? The endless admin, the 'urgh' of updating everyone, and the nagging feeling you might miss important calls or messages in the switchover.

How to switch mobile providers

Luckily, switching phone companies — and keeping your existing mobile phone number — is easier than accidently spending two hours watching cat videos on YouTube.
Contracts come in different lengths, such as 12-month or 24-month options or 'no lock-in' contracts that allow you to pay on a month-to-month basis (like here at Circles Life).
Your mobile phone contract is a legally binding document, so you'll need to thoroughly read it to make sure that you can change your mobile phone provider without incurring a penalty.
If you want to exit your contract early, you might need to pay a fixed fee or a fee that's based on how much time is left on your contract.
According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, there are only a few rare cases where you can change your mind before your contract is up, including a 'cooling off' period, which — if you have one — you'll find in your contract.
Huzzah! You've reached the end of your contract (or you're in your cooling-off period), and you can say goodbye to your current mobile phone provider and hello to a new one.
If you're changing phone companies, it's probably because you want a better deal. When choosing a new service provider, think about the following:
Signing up for a new mobile phone plan is simple. If you're signing up with us, you just need to choose your plan from our website, add any extras you want (such as international call packages), and then follow the easy-to-use form to complete the purchase. In the form, we'll as if you want to keep your existing phone number.
Keeping your existing mobile number should be smooth running, but it's always good to test your new service and make sure it's all working as it should be.
Check that you can make and receive calls and text messages and that your data is working. If you've transferred phone companies to Circles Life, our handy FAQ help section can help with any other questions you have.

Why you should change telco providers (and keep your mobile number)

Switching mobile phone providers means you can find the best mobile plan for your needs and your budget. And, with the cost of living rising, there's never been a more important time to make sure you have the best deal possible.
Even though it might seem daunting to switch providers, keeping your existing mobile number couldn't be easier.

FAQs when porting a phone number

Switching mobile carriers is easy. Step 1: Never cancel your existing service before starting a new one. Step 2: Order a SIM card from your new provider. Step 3: Let your new provider transfer your phone number.
Nope. In fact, it's important you don't terminate your service with your current provider, or you won't be able to transfer your number. Your existing mobile service will be automatically terminated after your new telco has successfully transferred your number.
You can keep using your old SIM card while your transfer is in progress, which typically takes up to 48 hours. So, once you've kicked off the transfer process, sit back, relax, and wait for your new telco to let you know when it's all done.
Your old SIM card will keep working until your number has been successfully transferred to your new mobile provider. During the switch, there might be some minor service disruptions, but they shouldn't last too long.
If you're leaving a contract early, you'll likely need to pay an exit fee unless you're in a cooling-off period. However, pre-paid plans like Circles Life doesn't have any early termination fees, which makes it easy to switch mobile carriers or mobile phone plans whenever you like.

Switch to Australia’s Most Trusted Mobile Plan Provider

Offer ends in

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*All for use in Australia. Personal use only and not a broadband replacement. Plans auto renew every month. T&Cs apply, refer to our Critical Information Summaries.

^^Offer ends 01/04/2024 at 15:00 AEDT. T&Cs apply.

**Additional IDD Allowance means an additional 3,000 minutes of International Direct Dial (IDD) voice minutes (in total) per billing month for calls from Australia to the following countries: Bangladesh, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam. T&Cs apply.

***Purchase our $45/month or $55/month plan receive a $50 Prezzee voucher after your fourth full month with us on the same plan, redeemable at prezzee.com.au. Offer ends 01/04/2024. On eligible plans only. Not redeemable for cash. T&Cs apply.

^Roll over your unused base data monthly and build up to a massive 500GB. Data will not expire while plan remains the same, but may be lost if plan is upgraded or downgraded. On selected plans only. T&Cs apply.

Switch to Australia’s Most Trusted Mobile Plan Provider

Offer ends in

00

day

00

hr

00

min

00

sec

60GB*

150GB^^

300GB*

650GB*

60GB*

30GB

for 12 months

eSIM

$25.00

Buy Plan
  • eSIM now available
  • No-lock in contracts
  • Free delivery and fast setup
  • Unlimited calls and text

*All for use in Australia. Personal use only and not a broadband replacement. Plans auto renew every month. T&Cs apply, refer to our Critical Information Summaries.

^^Offer ends 01/04/2024 at 15:00 AEDT. T&Cs apply.

**Additional IDD Allowance means an additional 3,000 minutes of International Direct Dial (IDD) voice minutes (in total) per billing month for calls from Australia to the following countries: Bangladesh, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam. T&Cs apply.

***Purchase our $45/month or $55/month plan receive a $50 Prezzee voucher after your fourth full month with us on the same plan, redeemable at prezzee.com.au. Offer ends 01/04/2024. On eligible plans only. Not redeemable for cash. T&Cs apply.

^Roll over your unused base data monthly and build up to a massive 500GB. Data will not expire while plan remains the same, but may be lost if plan is upgraded or downgraded. On selected plans only. T&Cs apply.

Circles.Life

2023-05-09

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Published 2023-05-09

Written by Circles.Life

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Acknowledgement of Country | Circles.Life acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this land where we work and live. We celebrate stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

Acknowledgement of Country | Circles.Life acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this land where we work and live. We celebrate stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

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