PAC code and porting a number from Virgin?

MuddyMitts

Hi, all

Wondering if anyone can shed any light. I'm going to move to Tesco Mobile next week, buy out of my current contract and get rid of Virgin. Sounds straightforward enough (ha).

Previously, when I've switched networks or helped a family member do so, I've been able to request a PAC code at any time and without cancelling the contract at that point. Now, the last time I did this was admittedly a while ago and I understand it may vary by operator but 'Danny' at Virgin has just told me they that to give me a PAC code they'll have to cancel my contract first / at the same time - surely this isn't right? I want to get my PAC code, get the number ported successfully at the end of next week and then immediately call Virgin and cancel the contract with them so I'm not without my number for longer than the actual porting takes.

Any info much appreciated

grumbler

MuddyMitts wrote: »

Previously, when I've switched networks or helped a family member do so, I've been able to request a PAC code at any time and without cancelling the contract at that point. Now, the last time I did this was admittedly a while ago and I understand it may vary by operator but 'Danny' at Virgin has just told me they that to give me a PAC code they'll have to cancel my contract first / at the same time - surely this isn't right?

I am pretty sure it is not. Normally the contract is terminated at the day of porting. However, I'd expect them to ask to pay the Early Termination Fee before they give you the PAC.

I want to get my PAC code, get the number ported successfully at the end of next week and then immediately call Virgin and cancel the contract with them so I'm not without my number for longer than the actual porting takes.

There is no point in calling.

Jon_01

The point your number ports is the same point the acc end. You can't have a live acc with no number attached to it, so, as grumblers say, you'll have to pay the contract off before they'll give you your PAC. The transfer only take a few hours tops, the old sim will stop and the new one will pick up the new number sometime after. . .

MuddyMitts

Thanks. Thought as much and frankly with some of the rubbish their reps have spewn out before, hearing this wasn't exactly a shock (previos rubbish including but not limited to inaccurate charging for data usage put down to 'you need to use the Virgin BlackBerry browser exclusively; using the normal BB browser or Opera mini isn't included in your bundle' - and then a backtrack to 'Actually, we HAVE been charging you incorrectly, but I think you should still only use the Virgin BB browser to be on the safe side.' I kid you not. That actually happened. Many months on, I still can't fathom how that rep could think that that is how it works. The icing on the cake was refusing to give me more than three months' of refunded charges because if I'd brought it to their attention sooner, they could have rectified it. The documented attempts to actually bring this to their attention twice previously didn't count. Fortunately later spoke to a normal human who not only apologised for the first time but gave a goodwill credit).

Anyway, taking a deep breath, I'm buying out the last five months of a contract so wouldn't I need to call them to pay this off - otherwise, at which point am I going to have to do this? Thanks very much for your input - is appreciated.

MuddyMitts

Jon_01 wrote: »

The point your number ports is the same point the acc end. You can't have a live acc with no number attached to it, so, as grumblers say, you'll have to pay the contract off before they'll give you your PAC. The transfer only take a few hours tops, the old sim will stop and the new one will pick up the new number sometime after. . .

The first part of that I get but whereas I called to get the PAC code today, I won't actually be using it until the end of next week.

Previously I've been able to get the PAC code and use it anytime within 30 days, which I understand from Ofcom documentation I should still be able to do and if I don't use it, my Virgin contract should continue as normal...?

grumbler

MuddyMitts wrote: »

Previously I've been able to get the PAC code and use it anytime within 30 days, which I understand from Ofcom documentation I should still be able to do and if I don't use it, my Virgin contract should continue as normal...?

This is how it works at all networks.

MuddyMitts

That's what I thought. So just to get it spelt out in my little brain before I go and waste more of my own money correcting Virgin's errors - they've goofed again and I should get a PAC code now with no bother, use it at the end of next week then call and pay off the contract on porting day?

grumbler

The ETF mentioned above is in fact the cost of all remaining months, i.e. the cost of 'buying out'. As I said, expect to be asked this to be paid before they give you the PAC. This is a standard practice, although it's against OFCOM's regulations.

Jon_01

From the networks point of view, once they've given you your pac and you've left if you don't pay (not say that you wouldn't, but some would) they don't have any leverage. They can't block your acc as it's not on their system any more.

But as above, they are 'supposed' to, but you'll have a very hard job getting it with out pay off you contract first.

MuddyMitts

I see; clear now. Again, not surprised... Thanks for the responses.