Can you keep your number and move from Contract to Pay&Go?

BrunoM

Hi all,
I'm looking to dump my O2 contract and just have a pay as you go phone which I will barely use (probably a few dozen texts a month and 15 mins of calls, type level), but I want to keep my phone number, which I've had for more than a decade. Is this possible, and what do I have to do?

Any advice appreciated

Thanks!

redux

Yes, give a month's notice on your contract, and to transfer your number you ask O2 for a PAC (porting authority code, where porting means moving the number)

You'd do this even if you want to switch to O2 Pay & Go, but there are better value payg brands such as giffgaff, Asda or Family Mobile

It's just possible that your phone would need unlocking from O2, though usually O2 contract phones are not locked. If moving to giffgaff, because it's on O2 that wouldn't be necessary

BrunoM

Thanks, sounds straightforward. Off I go to do that

Annie._2

You only need a PAC code when you are changing network provider.

If you are changing from contract to PAYG and remaining on the same network, you just give your normal months notice and, at the same time, ask them to transfer you number to PAYG.

redux

Ann_S wrote: »

You only need a PAC code when you are changing network provider.

If it's on O2, which the OP's contract is, a new SIM is sent and a PAC is used, as I already said.

It seems to be also possible to use a PAC to move a number directly from an old to a new contract within O2, which didn't use to be the case, as they told me not long ago

I suppose it's possible this doesn't apply to all their customers, perhaps due to different billing platforms in use or other technical reasons, but it's exactly what happened to me in January

Annie._2

The OP is changing tariff, not network, and there is no need for a PAC code when migrating from contract to PAYG, or vise versa from PAYG to contract, and the OP could even use the same SIM card once the tariff has been changed.

You only request a PAC code if you wish to change supplier but the OP is staying with the same network.

Networks do not issue PAC codes for migrating between tariffs.

Mobile_Mole

Ann_S wrote: »

You only need a PAC code when you are changing network provider.

This is incorrect. A PAC is also required is you are changing service provider but remaining with the same network operator.

Annie._2

Mobile_Mole wrote: »

This is incorrect. A PAC is also required is you are changing service provider but remaining with the same network operator.

Sorry, but that is incorrect. A PAC code is for changing provider which you give to your new provider to migrate your number.

If you wish to change your tariff within the same network and are keeping the same number it a simple case of contacting the network and making the request.

Mobile_Mole

Ann_S wrote: »

Sorry, but that is incorrect. A PAC code is for changing provider which you give to your new provider to migrate your number.

Yes a PAC is for changing service provider. But the new service provider may use the same network as before. In this case you are changing service provider and remaining with the same network operator for which a PAC is required.

Old_Gold

Sorry to interrupt your difference of opinions but what is the difference between the network operator and service provider?

Jon_01

Old_Gold wrote: »

Sorry to interrupt your difference of opinions but what is the difference between the network operator and service provider?

Some networks are virtual (like Adsa or Tesco) and use another 'real' network to carry their traffic.