Recovering a deactivated number

[abnewman]

Hi there, 

I was directed here by Vodafone support, who said I needed to speak to someone from the Gold Number team, so hoping someone can help me out. My PAYG number, which I've had for 15+ years, was deactivated by Vodafone due to inactivity (when I moved abroad). I need to recover it. When I switched from pay monthly to PAYG, no one told me the number would be deactivated if not used for 90+ days.

The number is still associated with me in Vodafone's system but is "greyed out" I'm told, and cannot be reactivated, which I simply cannot understand. How can I recover the number, which I know hasn't been recycled or resold? There must be a technical workaround. I'm happy to pay for recovery. 

Thanks for any assistance. 

[merimarzi]

Very same thing happened with me coincidentally 15 years as well. I had my friend reach out to VI store within 2 days and they were able to get new sim after proper verification. You will have to use the new sim card with same number.

[amitpanchmatia]

Hello. Did you manage to get the number back? I am in the exact same situation. How can I get the number back?

[Janey]

Hi @amitpanchmatia 

Thanks for getting in touch. After 20 years, I  can see why you're keen to get the number back! My team would be more than happy to look into this for you. Please pop us a message over on our social channels and we'll see what we can do. 

[amitpanchmatia]

Hi 

did you manage to get your line back? I am in your exact same situation! My 20 year old number has been deactivate as I was out of the country. Is there any hope of getting it back?

[CypherX]

Hi @abnewman 

Did you end up getting the number? I am in a similar situation and yourexperience will greatly help. And thanks to @Amanda and others to help contribute. I found this chat very useful.