PAC codes and Lycamobile

slb2008

I have just asked Lycamobile for a PAC code so I can transfer my number to Three.

According to ofcom "It must be issued to you immediately over the phone or within two hours by text message." - http://ask.ofcom.org.uk/help/telephone/changing_mobile_provider

Lyca's attitude is that they don't work like that, they tell me I can call back 24 hours after requesting the PAC and they will issue a PAC code then. They also claim that their PAC codes do not allow a transfer to Three. I hope that is just a bluff but will find out soon.

Do ofcom not bother to enforce these rules?

Techhead_2

slb2008 wrote: »

I have just asked Lycamobile for a PAC code so I can transfer my number to Three.

According to ofcom "It must be issued to you immediately over the phone or within two hours by text message." - http://ask.ofcom.org.uk/help/telephone/changing_mobile_provider

Lyca's attitude is that they don't work like that, they tell me I can call back 24 hours after requesting the PAC and they will issue a PAC code then. They also claim that their PAC codes do not allow a transfer to Three. I hope that is just a bluff but will find out soon.

Do ofcom not bother to enforce these rules?

The actual rules are slightly more complex, there are various reasons why a request can be refused or delayed.

For example, they must validate that you are authori sed to receive the PAC (eg unregistered Pay You Go may not be able to verify straightaway) and then give the code within two hours. Or they can insist that the request is in writing.

They must write to you within two working days with the reason for the delay or request.

(Not that this applies for consumer ports, business customers have a much longer timescale)

slb2008

This is a consumer port.

I have registered with them and they seemed to have no problem in verifying my identity. Their explanation for the delay was that they never issue a PAC in less than 24 hours.

dave_dph

I believe what they are saying about porting to 3 is correct.

Taken directly from the porting information page on 3's website:

*Unfortunately we can't transfer any numbers from Lycamobile. So if you're moving from Lycamobile to Three, or have a number which started with Lycamobile, you'll need to carry on using your new Three number.

If your number was originally ported into Lyca from another network then you can port out to another network and from there to 3.

slb2008

OK, so I need to port into another company and out again. Am fortunate that the number did not originate with lyca.

Don't suppose the intermediate phone company will be too pleased about me doing this. Is there a minimum interval between ports? Do I have to add credit to my sim before porting in or out?

I see comments saying companies can charge for issuing a PAC. Is there a risk of that here?

More generally, are any of the phone companies known to be particularly troublesome or helpful when porting in and out in quick succession?

Thanks.

dave_dph

Hi

Just choose any PAYG service.

I was on a retention deal with 3 paying £14 per month for the One Plan. I ported out to giffgaff last Friday, added the £10 goody bag which gives me 500 minutes, unlimited texts and 1Gb data for one month. At the end of the month I'll port back to 3, again onto the One Plan sim only, but with £61.47 cash back through Topcashback; works out about £9.87 per month after cashback over the first 12 months.

Your PAC is valid for 30 days. Say for instance you port out on day 3, I'm not sure whether another PAC can be issued straight away, but I've heard people say it's possible. I think you will have to add credit before you can port back out, with an Asda sim the minimum top up is only £5.

Not heard of any providers charging for a PAC. The good thing about giffgaff is you request your PAC online or via text, you don't have to speak to anyone. All pretty painless really. In order to activate a giffgaff sim you have to credit it with £10, but this can be converted into a goody bag once your number has ported across. Just means you'd be with them for a month and then move to 3.

macman

Is a 24 hour wait really too unreasonable?