Switching to AirMobile is quick + easy.
Follow the steps to move your existing mobile number to AirMobile.
It is time to get some fresh air.
01. Sign up with AirMobile.
- Go to the AirMobile product page.
- Click on ‘Try us out for FREE’.
- Select ‘Port to AirMobile’.
- Follow the prompts to complete the sign up.
- During the sign up process you can choose to get your SIM delivered straight to your door or you can pop in at Afrihost HQ in Rivonia, JHB and grab your SIM card.
We’ve also made the RICA process super easy - you can upload your RICA documents online or via the App.
02. Initiate the port in process.
DO NOT INSERT YOUR NEW SIM CARD INTO YOUR DEVICE UNTIL YOU’VE COMPLETED ALL THE STEPS.
Once you receive your new SIM, you need to initiate the port in process via ClientZone or the App.
- In ClientZone or the App, go to your products and select the mobile number that you are porting.
- You should see a message asking you to complete the port in process.
- Click/tap on the ‘Initiate port in’ button.
Once the port in process is initiated, you’ll receive an OTP from MTN. Please reply to this SMS within 4 hours to authorise the port.
03. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS.
You’ll receive an SMS, confirming whether your request was authorised or declined to port to AirMobile.
You can switch to your new SIM card when your old SIM card starts to show 'No Service'.
04. Configure your APN settings.
Network configuration settings should automatically be sent to your device. Alternatively, you can manually set up your APN by visiting the AirMobile APN page
Once that’s done, you’re all set and ready to enjoy AirMobile.
Always here to help.
Support platforms.
General porting questions.
When can I request a port transfer?
Mondays - Fridays (public holidays excluded)
- 09:00-17:00
Saturdays (public holidays excluded)
- 09:00-13:00
Sundays
- Port requests are not processed on Sundays.
When does a port transfer happen?
All porting happens between 22:30 and 23:30 on all days except public holidays.
Should the port request be received in time on a particular day and your request is accepted, you should be able to port on the same day the request is made.
Transfers can also be scheduled for up to 30 days from the date of the request.
What is the cost associated with porting?
You only have to pay for the SMS that you send requesting the port.
There are a few factors to be aware of, however. Like if you are cancelling a long-term contract with your current Service Provider, they will charge you a cancellation fee.
What happens to my airtime, data and SMSes when I move from my current service provider to AirMobile?
You will lose all airtime, data, SMS bundles as well as other credits held with your current Service Provider. Any messages you have saved on your old SIM card (SMS, MMS and voice) will also be lost.
If I port to AirMobile, how long must I wait before I can port to another service provider?
You will have to wait 60 days. This is due to regulatory practices and not AirMobile specific.
Possible delays.
What do I do if I experience delays with my porting?
Nothing in life is perfect and it may happen that the porting process takes longer than expected. Many issues resolve themselves after about 48 hours from when the port is complete.
Below are a few reasons why your porting may be delayed.
The Centralised Reference Database (CRDB).
The Centralised Reference Database (CRDB) is the central authority that manages porting in South Africa. When a port request is made, the number is transferred to the CRDB (at which point the number is not with any network) from your old network provider and is then requested by the new network provider (AirMobile).
Afrihost has limited insight into the porting process and we can only see the status of your port request.
The number is stuck at CRDB.
Your number may still be in the CRDB holding pool. During this time you will not be able to make or receive calls.
The CRDB must complete the porting process to transfer control of your number to AirMobile. This can take up to 48 hours - please be patient until the process is complete.
Old network provider disconnects the number too early.
It may happen that your old network provider disconnects your number too early and you will not be able to make or receive calls.
In this case please contact your old network provider as they have not followed the porting process correctly.
The number fails at AirMobile due to a conflicting request.
You may have requested a port and also activated a new SIM at the same time. The network has tried to assign both numbers at once and failed.
Our systems will rectify this within 48 hours. If this problem has not been resolved after 48 hours, please get in touch with our Support team.
The old network provider claims that the port was not requested and makes a 'Port Back' request.
The 'Port Back' request must be honoured and your number will be returned to your old network provider. You will have to wait until your number is moved back to your old network provider before you can request to port again.
Please contact your old network provider if you are unsure why the 'Port Back' request was made.