Retrieving old Plusnet Number? is it possible

[#1]

Hello, 

Desperately seeking advice as to whether it is possible to retrieve a number i used to have with Plusnet?

The old number is linked to a google account which i have not used for a long time but that contains loads of family photos and the like which i'd really dearly love to get back.

It appears, The only way i can get back into my account is with this old number. 

Could somebody please let me know if it is at all possible to get this number back, and what it would entail. Needless to say i would of course be happy to take out a plan just for this purpose.

Thanks in advance, Dom

[#2]

@Dom-D Assuming you mean a land-line phone number, I am fairly certain you will find it will have been re-allocated by now. In these days of number shortages, they are usually re-purposed as soon as the range-holder can legally do so. When id you change it?

I don't use a Google account, but my understanding of the access practice for an account is via a username+password, rather like PN?

[#3]

@jab1 - it'll be a mobile number that is used as a 2nd factor authentication for accessing the google account.

@Dom-D the number would have gone back into a pool of numbers that will have been given out after some time (not sure what that is), so I would say it's unlikely

[#4]

@dvorak Ah, OK - the only person I know with a Google a/c is my sister, and she hasn't got 2FA enabled, so I was unaware.

[#5]

Maybe she should!

[#6]

Maybe, but she's had it for ages - 8/9 years, and never had an issue.

[#7]

Hi @Dom-D 

It's only possible in very limited circumstances, for example if we've ceased a number in error, due to the immense amount of manual work that goes into reactivating a mobile number, but we wouldn't do it here on this occasion I'm afraid.

Theoretically though it is possible and as far as I'm aware it's only massively complicated for us, because of the way our systems work. If you put your mobile number into the "Partial Telephone Number to Lookup" box on the CodeLook website here > https://www.telecom-tariffs.co.uk/codelook.htm you could try approaching the "Operator".

The Operator are the rangeholder for a particular number so once ceased, it should eventually find its way back to them.

If I'm right, they may have a way to get your mobile number back, but I'd imagine it may cost you, presumably signing up to a new SIM then asking that they renumber your SIM for a fee.

I hope this helps somewhat and if you do make enquiries, let me know how it goes as I'm genuinely interested. 

[#8]

Thanks to all for their input, particularly to you Anoush, for your super helpful and useful info. I will of course update you on my progress should i make any, fingers crossed!

Once again, thanks very much for your help.

Have a great weekend.