Orange contract ending - advice on porting needed

jem16

My Orange contract is due to end and it's probably cheaper to take out a new contract than upgrade but I want to keep my number.

Can I convert it to a PAYG and then later migrate to contract? The reason I ask is that I have a credit for £25 for refer a friend that should go on my account on 3rd March. How long do I have to stay on PAYG before I can "upgrade" to contract?

However as I also have an OVP Virgin sim on that same account I could use my PAC and port to a Virgin PAYG sim and then port back onto Orange contract.

Which might be the best way?

pennypincher_2

You'll need to port it off network then back to Orange,ie orange to t-mobile then back to orange.

webkami

Normally its 3 months hold before you can come back from PayG tyo contract.

I am not sure where you are going for the new contract but the below worked for me like a charm.

1. I bought a new contract under my same name (I went to local Orange Shop). Some benifits of this trick:
- No credit checks
- Quick Connect
2. I ported old contract's number to vodafone
3. I ported my number back to Orange's new contract (they were happy to get me back)

This way you will always be an Orange customer and your "account" will keep the £25.

If you are buying contract online, I am not sure how and when they connect you, but calling any retailer and asking them that you want to take a new contract under your old account can help.

Some retailers call it "Extra Line" or "Second Line".

hope it helps.

jem16

Yes I had a look at orange's site and discovered I had to be with PAYG for 3 months before I could bring the number so probably won't go that way.

I do already have a Tesco sim(assuming it's still live as I haven't used it) and probably some O2 PAYG sims. I know I can port into Tesco at any time but is it easy to port out again?

jelly_bean_6

I am trying to keep my number whilst getting a good "new customer" deal too. I received a free Vodafone PAYG simcard and have given my Orange PAC code to Vodafone. My number should transfer through to Vodafone sometime this week. I'll wait a day or so after being on Vodafone and then try to request a PAC code from Vodafone.

I don't know whether you'll be able to keep your £25 referral credit this way though!

cube_2

If you tell them you're leaving, they'll give you a damn good offer.

jem16

I have 2 Orange numbers on my account so hopefully the £25 referral will belong to the account and not the number. I'll see on 3rd March when I get my bill and decide what to do at that point.

How did you get the free Vodaphone sim?

jem16

cube wrote:

If you tell them you're leaving, they'll give you a damn good offer.

They might but I doubt it - I'm not a high spender and I haven't read of anyone getting good deals from orange.

jelly_bean_6

jem16 wrote:

How did you get the free Vodaphone sim?

I got it from a link from this forum... I think it may have been for a limited time only. The simcard arrived really quickly as well.

I also ordered a free Virgin sim card from a link on this forum but didn't receive it.

Orange don't bother trying to retain me when I call to cancel my contract / port. I've only ever spent £25/month which is all line rental.

pingu

webkami wrote:

Normally its 3 months hold before you can come back from PayG tyo contract.

I am not sure where you are going for the new contract but the below worked for me like a charm.

1. I bought a new contract under my same name (I went to local Orange Shop). Some benifits of this trick:
- No credit checks
- Quick Connect
2. I ported old contract's number to vodafone
3. I ported my number back to Orange's new contract (they were happy to get me back)

This way you will always be an Orange customer and your "account" will keep the £25.

If you are buying contract online, I am not sure how and when they connect you, but calling any retailer and asking them that you want to take a new contract under your old account can help.

Some retailers call it "Extra Line" or "Second Line".

hope it helps.

didn't know you could do that!

how old was your new contract when you brought back the orange number?

thanks