Would you like to port your existing phone number from another Swiss mobile carrier to us, and are you wondering if you can choose when your number becomes active with us? Here’s how that date is determined and what happens to your SIM card or eSIM until then.

In short: 
When porting a phone number, you cannot set the activation date yourself. When you place your order, your SIM card is simply assigned to your customer portal and reserved for the number porting process. Your number will not become active until the porting date, which is determined by your current mobile carrier. This article applies exclusively to number porting to us, not to canceling your subscription with us or transferring your number to another provider.

What happens during registration?
When you request a number port-in through the customer portal, your SIM card or eSIM is assigned to your customer portal and reserved for the number port-in. This does not yet constitute activation.

• A temporary phone number cannot be assigned to the SIM card. This means you won't be able to use it until the porting date.
• With an eSIM, the QR code is not sent in advance. We'll send it to you on the day of the number port-in, after your number has been activated with us.
• If you have a physical SIM card, insert it into your device on the day of the number porting and remove your SIM card from your old provider.
  
  

Who sets the porting date?
The porting date is always set by your current mobile carrier, because they still “own” the phone number and are familiar with the terms of your contract. We have no control over this. As soon as we receive the date from them, we’ll let you know via email.

Can I specify a preferred date?

No. In the customer portal, you cannot enter a preferred date for either type of cancellation. The porting date is always determined by your current mobile service provider.

• End of the contract term: The date is specified in your contract with your current provider. There is no penalty fee.
• Early contract termination: You are leaving your current provider before the end of the contract. In this case, too, your current provider sets the date. They may charge you a penalty fee for failing to comply with the terms of the contract. Be sure to clarify this with them beforehand.

If you're unsure about your contract terms, we recommend selecting the "End of Contract Term" cancellation option.

When can I request a number port-in?

If you want to honor the contract term with your current provider (cancellation type: “End of contract term”), you must submit your request no earlier than 90 days before the contract expires. This means you can request number porting no earlier than 90 days before your contract ends. For example, if your contract ends on March 5, 2027, you can request number porting no earlier than December 5, 2026.

When does my Digital Republic subscription start?

When you request a number port-in, your SIM card or eSIM is simply assigned to your customer portal and reserved for the number port-in. This does not constitute activation. Your number will not become active with us until the port-in date, which is determined by your current mobile carrier.

You can view the exact start date of your subscription and billing details in your customer account. The information provided there, along with our current Terms and Conditions, is binding. If you have any questions, our support team will be happy to assist you.

Important

• Don't cancel your service with your current provider yourself. We'll take care of that for you.
• The application process begins once you have completed your registration with us.
• If your contract with your previous provider ended more than 20 days ago, in most cases you will no longer be able to keep your phone number.
• For prepaid numbers, you must also confirm the number porting by sending an SMS with the text “YES” to 499.

Example: Your current contract ends on March 5, 2027

1. No earlier than December 5, 2026, you’ll request a number port-in with us. Your SIM or eSIM will be assigned to your customer portal and reserved for the number port-in. Select “End of contract term” as the termination type.
2. We'll send the porting request to your current provider.
3. Your current provider will set the porting date in accordance with your contract (expected to be March 5, 2027). Until then, you won't be able to use the new SIM card from us, not even with a temporary number.
4. We'll let you know the date by email.
5. On the day of the number port-in, we'll activate your number. If you have an eSIM, you'll receive the QR code via email at this time; if you have a physical SIM card, you'll insert the card.