Choosing a mobile number

[nagyi]

This not a big deal, I'm just wondering. I had a mobile number with another provider. I switched to Bell and did NOT have that number ported to Bell and was assigned a new number. I then cancelled my Bell account. I'm now waiting for my Public Mobile SIM and will register with PM when I get it. I am wondering if it would be possible to get back my old, original number, the one I had with my first provider? Is there somewhere that I can see what numbers are available and possibly choose a number that's available?

[nagyi]

It was Koodo, ported to Telus and then I let it lapse when i switched to Bell and got a new one. But it's not that important... I was just wondering. Thanks!

[CountyDownIeUk]

What carrier did you have prior to Bell?

If Koodo or Telus it might be up for grabs....but I doubt it. 

The carrier owner of your number can be found here. 

https://cnac.ca/co_codes/co_code_status.htm

But the number can be anywhere if ported.....although a cancellation will return to the assigned owner carrier. 

[softech · Accepted solution]

@nagyi   No, if you got that number from that particular carrier as New number before, that number belongs to that provider and you have to get that number from them. 

So, if you really need it, open an account with them, try to get that number (no guarantee they will assign it to you, many carrier does not like to just assign a specific number to new subscribers anymore) .  If you got the number, you can then port it out to another provider you like.