Can you keep your number when changing operator in Finland?
How number porting works.
Short answer
Yes. Number portability is a right under Finnish law. When you order a new subscription and ask to keep your old number, the receiving operator handles the transfer with the old one. Traficom's recommendation on porting states that a telecoms operator may not charge the subscriber for moving the number. If you have a fixed-term contract, it still binds you until its end date.
Why
- Traficom's recommendation 206/2014 says the operator may not charge the subscriber for porting.
- The obligation rests on the Act on Electronic Communications Services (917/2014).
- Traficom Regulation 46 sets the time limits for the porting process.
Details
When you buy online or by phone, the transfer is often scheduled about two weeks ahead, because consumers have a 14-day right to cancel distance sales.
Tip
Do not cancel the old subscription yourself before the transfer. Cancelling can free the number for someone else.
What may differ
The details of the process depend on the operators. Ask the new operator how long the transfer will take.
Common misconception
Changing operator in Finland means getting a new phone number.
What actually happens
You can keep your number, and porting is free of charge for the subscriber.
People also ask
- How do Finnish mobile numbers start?
- How do you check when a fixed-term phone contract ends?
- Can you buy a prepaid SIM in Finland?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Prices and terms of mobile plans are set by each operator, so check them with your own operator.
Practical: communication, money, servicesRelated questions
-
Does prepaid credit work for EU roaming?
Yes, roam like at home also applies to prepaid plans.
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Can operators limit EU roaming data on a cheap plan?
Yes, in some cases.
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Is roaming free on a plane from Finland?
Not on board.
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Does EU roam like at home cover Switzerland?
No.

