topic Re: Totally frustrated with setup process in Get Support

Totally frustrated with setup process

Pam2071 — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 17:21:32 GMT

Step 2 asked me to either select a new number or port an existing number. Based on the advice from community/help articles, I first selected the 'select a new number' option, with the plan that I would change my number and port my number from Bell, HOWEVER, I see a warning message that the 'change my number' service is not currently available on the self-serve web site.

Then, I tried selecting the option to port my number from my current provider during activation, which was NOT recommended in the support articles. The form asked me for an alternate phone number in case there were any problems porting the number. I DON'T HAVE AN ALTERNATE NUMBER. How many people have two mobile phone numbers? At that point I gave up. I tried to submit a ticket, but I have to have an account to do that, but my account signup process failed, so I couldn't do that.

I am so disappointed right now.

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

gblackma — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 17:36:24 GMT

@Pam2071 wait 50 minutes from last attempt, clear your browser history, go to private/ incognito mode and try again to activate your SIM card. When you come to the section about porting leave the alternate number blank and give them the name on the account, number to port and the Bell account number. Please note the Bell account must be active to port your number. The port will close it once its completed.

Here's 3 articles on activation and porting and the Refer a friend reward if you need them:

1.How to activate https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/bc/get-help/articles/activation-account-set-up
2.How to port https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/bc/get-help/articles/choose-your-phone-number
3. Refer a friend https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/on/get-help/articles/the-refer-a-friend-reward

Welcome to PM. Stay safe.

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

RossN — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 20:13:31 GMT

@Pam2071 wrote:
Step 2 asked me to either select a new number or port an existing number. Based on the advice from community/help articles, I first selected the 'select a new number' option, with the plan that I would change my number and port my number from Bell, HOWEVER, I see a warning message that the 'change my number' service is not currently available on the self-serve web site.
Then, I tried selecting the option to port my number from my current provider during activation, which was NOT recommended in the support articles. The form asked me for an alternate phone number in case there were any problems porting the number. I DON'T HAVE AN ALTERNATE NUMBER. How many people have two mobile phone numbers? At that point I gave up. I tried to submit a ticket, but I have to have an account to do that, but my account signup process failed, so I couldn't do that.
I am so disappointed right now.

@Pam2071 hi try the live chat for activations on this page https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/bc/plans

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

Luddite — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 18:12:40 GMT

@Pam2071 Enter any number as Alternate number; mother, friend, enemy, ....

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

Pam2071 — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 18:17:21 GMT

I don't think leaving the Alternate number field blank is an option; it's marked as a required field.

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

BearFBI — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 18:37:33 GMT

@Pam2071 You could use a friends number. The community is not saying that you have to port your number after activation, Their just suggesting to just in case. I wouldn't take that suggestion anymore as Public Mobile has enhanced the porting during activation experience. Almost everyone ports at activation.

You also dont need to have an account to contact Moderators. You just need a community account. Moderators aren't needed here.

Just wait untill you can re enter the setup process with that SIM and port your number at activation. Use a relatives or friends number as an alternative number. Alternate numbers are just to contact you just in case porting goes wrong.

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

dude65 — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 18:48:53 GMT

@Pam2071 ...Wecome to PM. First, take a deep breath, everything will be alright.

Now to answer your question. You have the option to select a new number or port. Porting involves communicating with a PM worker. You used to be able port from your selfseve acct. I would prefer to port later, the choice is yours. I believe you can not leave the secondary number blank. If you dont have another number, you can use any number, but I would pick a relative or a close friend's number

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

Pam2071 — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 19:09:07 GMT

Thanks everyone for the replies, but I'm giving up. I don't need the hassle. I just need my cell service to work without any issues; it's my primary means of communication and quite a lot is connected to my phone number. I'd love to save the money, but this is just too stressful and it's been a huge waste of my time. This business about supplying an alternate phone number is silly. It would make more sense to communicate via email or chat if there are any problems. I don't want to bother my friends and relatives by using their phone if things go wrong. I won't be recommending Public Mobile to anyone at this time who wants to keep their current number as long as the setup process remains as it is.

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

computergeek541 — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 19:25:41 GMT

@Pam2071 wrote:
I'd love to save the money, but this is just too stressful and it's been a huge waste of my time. This business about supplying an alternate phone number is silly.\

Them asking for an alternate number is a good thing. This provides the carriier a way to contact you. You can simply type in a bunch of nonsense numbers such as 0000000000. They won't try calling a clearly fake number.

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

pmw — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 19:35:25 GMT

if you want to port your number from other provider, best way is choose a new number first, then sent message to moderator, give them your name, your number, your account number, they reply quick. i just port my number today, it took less one hour.

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

kselmak — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 19:43:56 GMT

Sorry @Pam2071

There is an announcement staying that until further notice porting from selfserve is suspended (temporarily)

There had been so much sim jacking and I believe that is the reason. Once they have better protection in place it will probably resume.

It's also very good idea to talk to us before, we may have info that is buried in the pile of announcements. There was a chance that somebody would have warned you if you mentioned it was important to port the same day.

Consider getting an alternative phone number with TextNow or fongo, both are great services and you will appreciate them even more if you travel, our international roaming is non existent just USA.

To reach mods directly use https://productioncommunity.publicmobile.ca/t5/notes/composepage/note-to-user-id/22437

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

Rubymangal — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 20:10:12 GMT

I just set up my service with public mobile and it was quite simple and easy. I felt the alternative phone number was odd but put one in. The rest was history and I’ve got my service set up in 25 minutes. Sorry you had a more experience.

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

BearFBI — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 20:22:30 GMT

@Pam2071 You cant give up and waste a SIM like that. I suggest downloading Fongo or TextNow and use that number as your alternative number. Public Mobile will never even call your alternative number they send an email or a txt message to your old number if anythig goes wrong. Alternate numbers are just needed in case they need to contact you. Mostly Every carrier will request a alternative number to port so you cant blame this on Public. You cant give up and say its a hassle because you don't want to put an Alternate number.

Like suggest above there are ways around this. Even ways where you dont need to use a friends or relatives number. But if its too much of a hassle then enjoy the high prices.

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

darlicious — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 21:09:23 GMT

@Luddite and everyone else.....are you absolutely sure you need an alternate number? The bf did not put one in when he ported last August and there were no issues......ive always used one but he didnt even want to use mine......unless things have changed.

@Pam2071

Just make one up if you dont want to use one....,im sure @Nezgar can give you a good one to use! (Hes our resident voicemail guru) Trust me youll want to save the money! Ive activated 12 people with no issues....except my second line which was a comically bad nightmare but i remember specifically @Luddite and @ChuckYeah helping me thru all six hours of it! And guess what....as of two days ago they both cost me $0 per month and today is day 360! Woohoo loyalty kicks in!

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

Luddite — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 18:03:55 GMT

@darlicious Nope, not 100% certain an Alternate number is necessary. Just never been willing to risk failure when any phone number will do.

Re: Totally frustrated with setup process

darlicious — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 20:32:17 GMT

@Luddite

I would say no then....bf's activation went smoothly the number was ported in less than 5 min.