How do I switch from contract to payg?

jedy

My current contract ends in December and I would like to change it to pay as you go as I'm not using it much and want to save some money. I don't mind if I have to switch to another network and or loose my current mobile number, I'm just after reducing my costs. I'd like to use my existing phone (prepared to unlock if needed) but as I've never done this before, and web searches are useless I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice?

macman

Buy your PAYG SIM and then ask your contract provider for your PAC. Once you have that, give it to your PAYG provider and they will port your old number to their network.
The only other thing you have to do is get your phone unlocked if it's currently locked to the contract network, an independent phone shop can do this for you.
Have a look at ASDA Mobile, 8p min calls, 4p min text, I find it very good for PAYG.
Or there is a new Tesco SIM only contract at £6 pm for 100 mins and unltd texts.

kai666

jedy wrote: »

My current contract ends in December and I would like to change it to pay as you go as I'm not using it much and want to save some money.

macman wrote: »

Buy your PAYG SIM and then ask your contract provider for your PAC. Once you have that, give it to your PAYG provider and they will port your old number to their network.
The only other thing you have to do is get your phone unlocked if it's currently locked to the contract network, an independent phone shop can do this for you.
Have a look at ASDA Mobile, 8p min calls, 4p min text, I find it very good for PAYG.
Or there is a new Tesco SIM only contract at £6 pm for 100 mins and unltd texts.

This would be good advice if we were actually in December, but until that point you have few options other than paying off the remaining months left to be released from the contract, or carry on as you are until december

Anon

macman wrote: »

Buy your PAYG SIM and then ask your contract provider for your PAC.

... or as you have months to wait before you can switch to PAYG without a penalty, keep your eyes open for free offers and get them ready for when you can transfer (many SIMS can be obtained for free and if you look on cashback sites like Quidco, Topcashback etc you could actually be paid for taking up the offer :beer:). If, for example, your contract finishes on 31st December, you can phone on 1st to give your 30 days notice - I believe most networks have an option to switch to their PAYG at the end of this period, end the contract completely (and lose your number) or request a PAC (the code that you need to transfer your number to another network).

There are unlock threads on this board which may/may not mean you can unlock your phone yourself, depending on the make and model. If your phone isn't mentioned, post it on there and they will soon tell you the cheapest way.

Depending on your contract/provider you may also be able to reduce your current plan to a cheaper one.

Anon

Oscar_The_Grouch

The easiest thing for you to do would be to phone your current network provider when your minutes "refresh" in November and tell them you don't think you are using the minutes etc and want to go PAYG. They should do 1 of 2 things:

1. Offer you a better deal (perhaps as low as £5 per month) on the basis that you keep your phone
2. Switch you over to PAYG at the end of your contract.

ultimatedingbat

BEst PAYG deals are pay monthly ones e.g. virgins 10 pound per month rolling contract (200 min unl text)