What is Line Parking?
Line parking is a service that allows telecom consumers to temporarily place a mobile line in a dormant state while retaining ownership of the phone number.
Instead of using the line for calls, SMS, or data services, the consumer pays a nominal fee to keep the number reserved for a specified period, usually one year, with the option to extend the parking period when necessary.
Think of it as parking your car in a safe parking space. Although you are not using it, it remains yours until you are ready to use it again.
An assigned mobile phone number is more than just a way to make calls. It is statutorily linked to your National Identification Number (NIN) and often linked to your bank account, email, social media accounts, and other important services. If you will not be using your assigned mobile line for an extended period, you may be able to park the line instead of risking losing the phone number.
Why Would You Park Your Assigned Line?
You may consider parking the line if:
- You are travelling out of the Country for an extended period or going to live abroad for a determined period.
- You have a mobile number linked to your bank account, NIN, email or other important services.
- You own a business line that you want to retain while you are out of the network or unable to use it for a long period.
- You have a memorable phone number that you do not want to lose and you are not going to use it for a period that may qualify for churning the number due to inactivity.
- You will not be using the line for a long period but intend to use it again in the future.
Benefits of Line Parking
Parking your assigned line offers several advantages:
- Retains ownership of your assigned mobile number.
- Prevents your assigned number from being recycled and assigned to another consumer.
- Protects access to services linked to your assigned phone number.
- Saves the cost and inconvenience of obtaining a new number.
- Allows you to reactivate your assigned line whenever you are ready, subject to your service provider's terms.
Line Parking Tips
Before requesting this service, you should:
- Confirm that your mobile network operator offers line parking in line with the provisions of the Quality of Service (Business Rules) Regulations 2024.
- Understand the applicable fees and duration of the parking period.
- Renew the parking period before it expires if you wish to continue retaining the number.
- Keep your assigned SIM registration details up to date with your service provider.
Your assigned mobile number is part of your digital identity. If you do not intend to use your assigned line for an extended period but want to keep it, line parking offers a convenient way to retain your assigned number without the risk of it being recycled.
If available, this service can help consumers safeguard valuable phone numbers and maintain access to the many services connected to them.