Switching with cashback (Orange -> Vodafone)

Glass

Hi

I've not switched phone providers before and I'd like to take advantage of my contract with Orange expired. Having read through a few threads on the forum and just wanted to make sure I've got this right.

Where I am now
Orange, Dolphin 25 (18 month), paying £20 / month, contract ends 17 September

Where I'd like to be
Vodafone, SIM only (12 month) through Quidco, £15 / month with £90 cashback, 600 minutes / unlimited texts

How I do it

• 30 days before my contract ends, call Orange and ask for a PAC and to end my contract on the end date
• A week or so before the contract is up, sign up to Vodafone through Quidco and use the PAC (to minimise the overlap where I'm paying for both)
• Once I can switch to Vodafone with my existing number, unlock my phone and use their SIM
• Check that Orange don't still think I'm a customer of theirs

Should point out that I don't need data as I have a Blackberry through work but can use extra minutes easily, so 600 is something that I'd be comfortable with. Does that work? How long should I allow for the switch? Obviously I'll speak to Orange retentions to see if they can make me a better offer than my (effective) £7.50 / month.

Thanks!

Jon_01

Sounds right.

One point, when you ask for your pac it lasts for 28 days, your contract won't end if you don't use it. Once you use it your Orange contract will end.
You MUST give your pac to Voda when you sign up. Voda are the only network that don't allow you to pac in after the start of your contract.

Glass

Thanks, I had noticed that Vodafone were more picky than others about the PAC. Also, once I've given Vodafone my PAC, does that mean my Orange service ends immediately, or only when I activate the Vodafone SIM? i.e. will I lose that number for a couple of days?

Guys_Dad

Glass wrote: »

Hi


Where I'd like to be
Vodafone, SIM only (12 month) through Quidco, £15 / month with £90 cashback, 600 minutes / unlimited texts

Thanks!

Think twice about Vodafone/Quidco. I have a thread running on their failure to pay me my money for a sim I ordered last November. see https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2579583

Tracked as Validated on April 14th and still Quidco say that they have not received the payment from Voda. And it isn't the intermediary that went bust last week that's handling my repayment either.

Still not getting any satisfactory response. My advice? A £90 cashback is worth diddlysquat if it isn't paid. See what O2 cashback is worth or go to Topcash instead.

Glass

That's interesting, thank you. To be honest the deal's pretty good for me anyway - I need to get off Orange as I have no signal downstairs at home! (I know for a fact O2 and Vodafone work fine.) I'll definitely bear that in mind.