A Singaporean StarHub customer has gone public with a worrying experience after his 20-year-old mobile number was suddenly terminated, allegedly due to a backend system error. The man, identified only as Darren, shared his frustration in a viral Facebook post warning fellow consumers to remain cautious—even if their accounts are in good standing.
According to Darren, the nightmare began on 2 July 2025 after his attempt to port his number, starting with 9003, to Eight Mobile was rejected. Strangely, the failed port-out also led to a total service termination. What shocked him most? StarHub’s explanation: it was a “backend system issue”.
Longtime Loyalty, Abrupt Termination
Darren stated he had no outstanding bills or contract obligations. The mobile number in question was tied to critical platforms—banking, government logins, and other essential services. The sudden disconnection caused massive disruptions, with no resolution in sight despite multiple follow-ups with StarHub, including a visit to their retail outlet on 9 July.
“I’ve kept this number nearly two decades,” Darren wrote. “Now I’m locked out of my services, and StarHub just says it’s a system glitch?”
Adding salt to the wound, Darren has since filed a formal complaint with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and is preparing for further escalation if StarHub fails to reinstate the number promptly.
Public Outcry and Similar Tales
Darren’s post struck a nerve with other StarHub customers, who flooded the comments section with their own horror stories. One user, Dave Anand, shared how his line—used for over 12 years—was terminated during a short stint in prison, despite his contract being long fulfilled. He was later told he owed a $500+ early termination fee, even though the contract had long expired.
Another user, James, lamented how his prepaid StarHub number was auto-converted into a postpaid plan without prior notice, forcing him to pay monthly subscription fees. He too has sworn off the telco.
Some pointed fingers at systemic flaws. “If it’s really a backend issue, why are customers still penalised?” one user commented, while another simply dubbed the company “Craphub.”
Until StarHub responds meaningfully, Darren’s post serves as a stark reminder: in the digital age, losing your number is more than an inconvenience—it’s a disruption to your identity.