Transferring my number but keeping my phone line

[shirabatya]

I want to switch my broadband provider away from BT but I am afraid to lose my current broadband until the new service is up and running.

Is there a way to keep my current broadband package while still setting up the new sevice?  The complication is that if I want to transfer my landline number I have to do that right away and then my current landline gets disconnected.  But then I lose my current broadband.  I want to keep my BT  broadband until the new one is up and running.

What can I do? 

[Keith_Beddoe]

@shirabatya 

The transfer is handled by your new provider, who inform BT Retail they are taking over the line on a specific date. Your service should change over on that date. You do not need to inform BT yourself, as that could stop the changeover.

That would not apply if you are moving to Virgin Media, as they do not use the Openreach network, and cannot normally import BT Retail numbers, as they have their own separate network.

As for transferring your phone number, that depends on whether your new provider can port your number in. You would have to check with them.

You cannot transfer your landline number first, as that would cease your BT Broadband service and account.

[shirabatya]

I know I can transfer my number.  The question is how to do that WITHOUT HAVING MY EXISTING BT SERVICE DISCONNECTED.  I want to have both operating at once, to avoid being dumped in the cold if something goes wrong, and because I want the option of keeping a BT landline, but on a new number.  

[Keith_Beddoe]

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@shirabatya wrote:

I know I can transfer my number.  The question is how to do that WITHOUT HAVING MY EXISTING BT SERVICE DISCONNECTED.  I want to have both operating at once, to avoid being dumped in the cold if something goes wrong, and because I want the option of keeping a BT landline, but on a new number.  

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No, if you transfer your number, your broadband will be ceased as its associated with your phone number.

[-Richie- · Accepted solution]

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@shirabatyawrote:

I know I can transfer my number.  The question is how to do that WITHOUT HAVING MY EXISTING BT SERVICE DISCONNECTED.  I want to have both operating at once, to avoid being dumped in the cold if something goes wrong, and because I want the option of keeping a BT landline, but on a new number.  

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You can ask your new provider to install a 2nd line (chargeable) and then you'll have 2 lines with 2 services, once you're happy you can give BT 30 days notice to cease.
The biggest issue here is getting the number ported later, this will be down to your new provider to arrange and most suck at it, so pick a decent provider.

As this is a BT retail forum, we're not able to advise on other providers, you'll have to do your own research.