I tell people over and over again on the radio, on my podcast, or here on this site – moving mobile carriers is easy. You really have to try it. Today, I did just that, and the experience was amazing, in part it’s probably because I am not one for face to face human contact so a live chat is possibly the best way to do this sort of thing. Here’s how it happened.
For some time, the people at Boost have been telling me to “come, try the network”. I’m not really too fussed by it all, and have had enough of my listeners and friends move to Boost that I know the experience is ok so I am happy to recommend them.
Personally, I’ve been on the Vodafone network for some time – Firstly with Red Bull Mobile, then I moved to Vodafone direct to try out their 4G network. Moving from Red Bull to Vodafone I did in-store as I needed to have a post-paid SIM to get into the 4G action. That took me about 15-20 minutes providing ID, and going through the motions. I was pretty happy with that.
But, being the cost conscious father-of-three that I am, the lure of a $40 per month mobile bill, with 3GB of data with Boost on the Telstra network was hard to resist. I have hit my 1.5GB limit with Vodafone several times, so I knew I needed more.
So, with some reluctance, given my satisfaction with the Vodafone network, I grabbed the Boost SIM card they had sent me some time back and jumped online.
Remembering from having moved my Wife from Red Bull Mobile to Boost some weeks ago that I couldn’t do the online activation, and instead needed to enter the “live chat” on the Boost site – I headed straight there.
What happened next was awesome. Lorelyn came to my chat session and started to help right away. Now granted, I knew what was coming, so I threw at her immediately my Mobile number, my Date of Birth and address, but she went with the flow. Asked for my drivers licence info etc, and submitted my “port” application.
That’s it?
How long did that take? Ten Minutes. Nothing more.
I took to my new Boost SIM with a set of scissors so the SIM would fit my iPhone 5s, (Boost are offering Nano SIM cards from mid-October) and by the time I looked at my phone Vodafone had sent me an SMS stating they had had a porting request. That was enough for me to be confident the port had gone through, so I swapped the SIM cards over, and hey presto – I’m on Boost.
15 minutes total time taken. Doesn’t come much better than that.
To prove how simple it was, below is a copy of the chat conversation that got me to that point.
Transcript of Live Chat
A transcript of this secure Chat is retained and may be monitored for coaching purposes. You can view our Privacy Statement at telstra.com.
LORELYN
Hi Trevor, how may I help you?
LORELYN
Hi Trevor.
LORELYN
I can see that you want to port your number to Boost, is that right?
Trevor
yes
Trevor
XXXX XXX XXX
Trevor
Trevor Long
LORELYN
No worries, I can definitely assist you with that.
Trevor
DOB: XX/XX/XXXX
LORELYN
From which provider is the number that you want to keep?
Trevor
Address: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Trevor
Vodafone ustomer
LORELYN
Alright.
LORELYN
Is your mobile number on a plan or prepaid with Vodafone?
Trevor
Postpaid no contract plan
Trevor
Vodafone account number: XXXXXXXX
LORELYN
Alright. Do you have the account number as well?
LORELYN
Thank you.
LORELYN
May I have the following details to process your request?
• contact number
• valid ID like passport or driver’s license number
• email address
• SIM serial number
Trevor
Drivers Licence: NSW XXXXXXX
Trevor
XXXX@XXXXXXX.XXX
Trevor
contact XXXX XXX XXX
Trevor
SIM: XXXXXXXXX
LORELYN
Thanks a lot.
LORELYN
I have some Terms and Conditions I need for you to review and confirm if you agree.
LORELYN
Boost will connect your mobile number to the Telstra network.
LORELYN
All services related to the mobile number you’re porting, may be disconnected from your existing service provider and may result in finalisation of your account.
Trevor
I AGREE
LORELYN
If you’re on a contract, you may want to check with your current phone company whether any leaving costs apply.
LORELYN
Boost will not provide your new mobile service until the port has been completed.
LORELYN
If you have a 3G 2100MHz device that isn’t compatible with Telstra’s network, you won’t be able to access any 3G services. However, your device will continue to access Telstra’s national GSM Network which provides 2G speeds and services.
Trevor
Great, I understand, and agree
LORELYN
Just to set your expectations, the process could take within 24-48 hours but still can be done less than 24 hours as long as the details you have provided to us will match the details you have with Vodafone.
Trevor
I am aware, thanks
LORELYN
Great.
LORELYN
I have successfully process the request and you just need to wait for it to be completed.
LORELYN
Once you lost the signal to your Vodafone SIM card, it means that the number has been transferred to your Boost SIM card.
LORELYN
For you to recharge in the future, just dial #111# or visit boost.com.au.
Trevor
Great, all done then?
LORELYN
Yes, I have already send the request.
Trevor
Thanks for your time Lorelyn – have a great day.
LORELYN
You’re most welcome.
LORELYN
It’s our pleasure to assist you.
LORELYN
Thank you for choosing Boost Mobile.
LORELYN
Have a nice evening.
Trevor
I shall!
NB: If it wasn’t already bleedingly obvious above, Boost Mobile provided me with the SIM card at no cost. But if you’re really interested, I bought one from a Caltex service station for my wife who I ported over.
