Does a phone have to be paid off to transfer the number?

BradDoell · March 28

Hi,

I am helping my brother transfer his son to Fizz.

I created an account for his, used my brother code and have been waiting two hours now for the authorization text with no results.

The phone is still on a payment plan with the other provider.

So, my question is in the subject line.

Does anyone know?

Thanks,

Brad

elena code xzi4t · March 28

Hi @BradDoell

Fizz doesn't take care of the balance since it is a prepaid service, and the previous provider probably will block the porting till the phone is paid off

You need to contact the previous provider and discuss with them

G225 code IRSGE · March 28

Does a phone have to be paid off to transfer the number?

BradDoell

Mar 28, 2025

Hi,
I am helping my brother transfer his son to Fizz.
I created an account for his, used my brother code and have been waiting two hours now for the authorization text with no results.
The phone is still on a payment plan with the other provider.
So, my question is in the subject line.
Does anyone know?
Thanks,
Brad

Hi, you have to free up the phone by paying the rest. Paying the penalty for breach of contract probably too.

BradDoell · March 28

Thanks @elena code xzi4t and @G225 code IRSGE - the Fizz FAQ does not speak to this issue.

The CRTC web site is quite helpful in that it explains many situations such as this specific one for my brother:

Early cancellation fees – Subsidized device

When a subsidized device is provided as part of the contract,
1. for fixed-term contracts: The early cancellation fee must not exceed the value of the device subsidy.

I had hoped that the other provider would just authorize the port and bill his credit card for the balance of the subsidized phone, but this is not to be the case.

Cheers,

Brad

wenhan · March 28

you can transfer but you will have to pay off the remaining phone balance with the other provider. they will just automatically charge the credit card on file when the account is closed/transferred out

BradDoell · March 28

update,

The original company would not port out until the phone was paid off. There is no penalty for cancelling a contract. The CRTC says that any penalty cannot exceed the outstanding amount on the phone.
Once the phone was paid off, I tried to port the number but the error said it was not possible.I got on the support chat and WITHIN TWO minutes I was chatting with support who solved the problem within five more minutes and I was able to complete the port request.

I know others have indicated troubles and long wait times with support, but this is the first time I have needed them and the agent was fantastic!

Thanks to all for their info.

Cheers,

Brad