ChangeChecklist

Every step below is from an official source

Switch from Bell to Virgin Plus

What to do at Bell before you leave, what Virgin Plus needs when you join, and everything else the switch touches. Your full plan is built in your browser and stays there.

Official sources reviewed . How we review sources

Read the mobile carrier guide

The rules that apply: CRTC

These apply whichever mobile carrier you're moving between.

  1. Ask your new provider to transfer your numberBefore

    Contact your new provider by phone, email or regular mail to request the transfer. You don't need to talk to your current provider.

    Switch providers and keep your numberCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Reviewed

  2. Don't cancel your current service before you switchBefore

    Keep your current service until you have switched to the new provider. Cancelling first can stop you from keeping your number.

    Switch providers and keep your numberCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Reviewed

  3. Expect a mobile number transfer to take a few hoursDuring

    The CRTC says a mobile number transfer can take a few hours.

    Switch providers and keep your numberCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Reviewed

  4. Know you can cancel any time without 30 days noticeBefore

    Under the Wireless Code you can cancel your contract at any time, and it takes effect the day your provider gets your notice. You don't need to give 30 days notice.

    The Wireless Code, simplifiedCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Reviewed

  5. Ask your provider to unlock your phone for freeBefore

    If your phone is locked to your provider's network, the provider must unlock it, or give you the means to unlock it, when you ask. There is no charge.

    The Wireless Code, simplifiedCanadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). Reviewed

At Bell, before you leave

  1. Keep your Bell service active until you switchBefore

    Bell says not to cancel your current service before you sign up with the new provider. Otherwise your number is considered inactive.

    I have questions about phone number portability and transferring my number to BellBell. Reviewed

  2. Check that your Bell phone is unlockedBefore

    Bell says a phone unlocks automatically, at no cost, 2 days after it was activated. To unlock it sooner, call Bell.

    Unlock your Bell deviceBell. Reviewed

At Virgin Plus, when you join

  1. Request the transfer when you order your SIMBefore

    You can ask for the number transfer when you order a new device or SIM card online, in a Virgin Plus store, or by phone.

    Wireless Number PortabilityVirgin Plus. Reviewed

  2. Have your old account PIN and device serial numberBefore

    Have the PIN for your previous provider's account number and your device serial number (ESN, SIM, MEID or IMEI).

    Wireless Number PortabilityVirgin Plus. Reviewed

  3. Don't deactivate your number with your old providerBefore

    Virgin Plus deactivates your old service for you. If you deactivate it first, Virgin Plus can't move your number.

    Wireless Number PortabilityVirgin Plus. Reviewed

  4. Keep your old SIM in a powered-on phone nearbyDuring

    Your old SIM must be in a phone that is turned on nearby. It is needed to verify the transfer by text message.

    Wireless Number PortabilityVirgin Plus. Reviewed

Then: everything else the switch affects

The steps above are what Bell and Virgin Plus say. Your full checklist adds the accounts, codes, payments and devices that depend on your mobile carrier, in a safe order. It's built from your answers, in your browser.