Idiots guide to changing network?

hock79

I have an iphone 5 with Orange/EE which is out of contract. I have already signed up to a sim-only deal with Virgin and I want to switch these providers and keep my old phone number. Can anyone do me an idiots step-by-step guide?

First I need to phone Orange and cancel my phone with them and get the pac code right? Do I need an unlocking code, or is that the same thing?
Do I need to put the new nano-sim in first, before I call up Virgin with my pac code?
Do I need to back-up my contacts? I think on the iphone everything is saved on the memory not the sim, is that right?
Anything else I need to know?
TIA

bod1467

First thing ... iphone 5 only works on 4G with the EE network. As Virgin piggyback on EE then you should be able to get 4G (if that's what you're planning).

#1 Phone Orange/EE for your PAC code.

#2 IF your iphone is locked to Orange/EE, request also an unlock code.

#3 Put in your Virgin SIM, use the unlock code (if needed) and activate the SIM per Virgin's stated process. (You'll have a new phone number for now).

#4 Contact Virgin per their stated process to provide the PAC code. Wait until your old number ports across to Virgin (which may take 1 working day - so if you supply the PAC on a Friday the porting may not complete until the next Monday). If Virgin are anything like giffgaff in this respect, you'll know porting is complete if you see your old number against your Virgin account when you login.

#5 Add/edit the APN for Virgin's settings (so that mobile data and MMS work).

Unless you've stored your contacts on the SIM, you shouldn't need to do anything. If in doubt, copy any contacts on the Orange/EE SIM to the phone. (Search online for how to do this). But backing up your phone is never a bad thing.

grumbler

hock79 wrote: »

I have an iphone 5 with Orange/EE which is out of contract.

It's you who can be 'out of contract', not the phone.
You are out of the minimum term, not out of contract, and have to give a 30-days' notice to cancel it.

I have already signed up to a sim-only deal with Virgin

Well, it was an error to rush with this as you'll pay Orange for the next 30 days even if the contract is terminated earlier.

and I want to switch these providers and keep my old phone number. Can anyone do me an idiots step-by-step guide?

First I need to phone Orange and cancel my phone with them and get the pac code right?

>> The 10 worst acronyms if you’re a pedant (grrr)

Do I need an unlocking code, or is that the same thing?

This is the first thing you need to do.
iPhones get unlocked without codes, but only the network can do this properly.
Then get the PAC and pass it to Virgin.

Do I need to put the new nano-sim in first, before I call up Virgin with my pac code?

You'll be given the exact day when the porting happens. At some point during this day the old sim will stop working and the old number will get ported to the new sim. You'll possibly need to switch the phone off/on.

Do I need to back-up my contacts? I think on the iphone everything is saved on the memory not the sim, is that right?

With correct settings it has to be saved in your Apple account as well, not only in the memory.

d123

To add to everything stated above, you can apply for the unlock online. You can do it now, rather than waiting to do it when you phone for the PAC.

http://ee.co.uk/help/getting-started/joining-ee/unlocking-your-phone

hock79

Ok, so I need to phone Orange to cancel and ask them to unlock my phone and give me the PAC?

I'm still confused as to whether I need to put my new sim in, or whether to keep on my old sim (and old number) until my old number is ported to the new sim.

hock79

d123 wrote: »

To add to everything stated above, you can apply for the unlock online. You can do it now, rather than waiting to do it when you phone for the PAC.

http://ee.co.uk/help/getting-started/joining-ee/unlocking-your-phone

Thanks, just checked that, it will cost £8.99 and 7 days :eek: I assume I have no choice with this though? I got the iphone on contract with Orange so it must be locked to Orange right?

grumbler

hock79 wrote: »

I'm still confused as to whether I need to put my new sim in, or whether to keep on my old sim (and old number) until my old number is ported to the new sim.

You don't 'need'. It's either... or.
If you put the new sim in you can miss the calls to the old number.
I usually have one of two sims in a spare phone until the old one stops working.

hock79

grumbler wrote: »

You don't 'need'. It's either... or.
If you put the new sim in you can miss the calls to the old number.
I usually have one of two sims in a spare phone until the old one stops working.

Thanks, I didn't know if the new sim needed to be 'active' to enable porting

keith1950

You appear to have ignored the earlier advice......you either cancel OR request a PAC.
Using the PAC cancels the contract.

If you cancel you lose your number.

hock79

keith1950 wrote: »

You appear to have ignored the earlier advice......you either cancel OR request a PAC.
Using the PAC cancels the contract.

If you cancel you lose your number.

Ok, sorry, I must have misunderstood, but I wouldn't have cancelled without getting my PAC.

So if I pay Orange/EE to get it unlocked, wait the 7 days, then call up for the PAC. Then call Virgin and give them the PAC.

grumbler

You can get PAC now. It lasts for 30 days. Just don't use it until you are sure the phone is unlocked.