O2 refuse to give PAC. What can I do?

Saeed
Saeed Posts: 733 Forumite
Hi,

I transferred a number from Three to O2 a few weeks ago. I have used the SIM for incoming calls but not topped up the O2 sim.

I recently got a great offer from another supplier and wanted to transfer the number from O2 to this new network (Vodafone). However, the O2 CS rep accused me of network hopping and said that as I had not topped up "no agreement existed between me and O2" and therefore he would not give me the PAC code. I have never come across this before.

Can O2 withhold my PAC? I have read the Ofcom regulations and they seem to have no reason to withhold my PAC.

What do you guys suggest?
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Comments

  • Atasas
    Atasas Posts: 753 Forumite
    1- don't do VodaF***ing? you'll end up sore, regardless
    2- comply O2 requirement in order to do step 1

    3- sorry, just cant but help being that sarcastic and horrid, as your moves are...
  • esuhl
    esuhl Posts: 9,409 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Saeed wrote: »
    However, the O2 CS rep accused me of network hopping and said that as I had not topped up "no agreement existed between me and O2" and therefore he would not give me the PAC code.

    There's definitely an agreement between you an O2, otherwise they wouldn't be providing phone service for you!

    I'd check the terms and conditions you have agreed to for them to provide the service. Assuming you haven't already agreed to top up by a certain amount (or a certain number of times, etc.), then O2 can't just refuse to give you a PAC.

    I'd consider making a formal complaint, and asking for a letter confirming that you are in "deadlock", which will allow you to take the matter to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) scheme.

    http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/complain/phone-and-broadband-complaints/changing-provider/
  • BlueKiev
    BlueKiev Posts: 11 Forumite
    Don't switch to Vodafone as they are poor.


    Speak to Ofcom & ask them what the ruling regarding this issue is.
  • Smodlet
    Smodlet Posts: 6,976 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Every word I have read on here about Vodafone says you should avoid them like the plague. O2, I know about. OH had his mobile contract with them for years (getting him to switch was hard work but I did it) When he finally did, they absolutely shafted him. He had to make an official complaint and got about £80 back off what they had overcharged him. I would not touch either of them with a barge pole. There are better deals out there.
  • esuhl
    esuhl Posts: 9,409 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I've never had a problem with Vodafone. I tend to prefer them over other networks. The customer service staff have always been nice and helpful.

    T-Mobile/EE have (or had) some really obnoxious customer service staff, so I'd never use them again.

    O2 made a total mess of my accounts, resulting in my three SIMs having numbers swapped between them and periodically disconnected. It took a few weeks of calling them every day, then a few days calling them every hour on the hour before they realised they had to do something about it. At least they were pleasant to speak to and did (eventually) fix the problem.

    Virgin gave me incorrect advice, causing me and a friend to lose out on £20 each. Customer services wouldn't do anything, and I had to make an official complaint. However, they apologised and credited our accounts with more than we'd lost to compensate.

    The only mobile company I'd avoid like the plague would be T-Mobile/EE.
  • kimplus8
    kimplus8 Posts: 992 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I would personally avoid coda phone and EE. I've had terrible service from both of these companies, however I am with virgin and they have been brilliant. I have a sim only contract which is fantastic, great customer service, online billing is easy and they never mess up my payments. :-)
    Just a single mum, working full time, bit of a nutcase, but mostly sensible, wanting to be Mortgage free by 2035 or less!
  • d123
    d123 Posts: 8,719 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I've had an account on and off with one2one/T-Mobile/Orange/EE since the 90's and have had plenty of run ins with them, I've even taken them to CISAS and won, but I would still recommend them as their service has never been that bad in general. I've had a few bad agents but on escalating the complaint it's always been resolved. They definitely have the best network in the country.

    Vodafone... well they are as bad as people say.

    Three are pretty bad, they employ too many people that don't speak adequate English and who also often struggle to understand English as well, they are very difficult to get any real assistance from, even for basic issues without emailing direct to the exec office.

    O2? I haven't been with them since I took them to court (and won) around 2002, they were pretty useless at the time.
    ====
  • Saeed
    Saeed Posts: 733 Forumite
    Thanks for the advice re: Vodafone, but I think I've been with them before without problems.

    The main issue is with O2 refusing to supply a PAC, any help with that would be appreciated.
  • indesisiv
    indesisiv Posts: 6,359 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker Debt-free and Proud!
    Saeed wrote: »
    Thanks for the advice re: Vodafone, but I think I've been with them before without problems.

    The main issue is with O2 refusing to supply a PAC, any help with that would be appreciated.

    Most networks ask you to top up as far as I can remember, once you do that then you should be able to get your pac.
    “Time is intended to be spent, not saved” - Alfred Wainwright
  • Smodlet
    Smodlet Posts: 6,976 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Have you read the Ts & Cs? If not, I suggest you do or, if this is too time-consuming/tedious, call them again and ask them to show you exactly where it says you have to top up before acquiring your PAC. If they can't, tell them you want your PAC right now or you will complain to Ofcom but please, be absolutely sure of your facts first or you will just be wasting your time and energy.

    Sorry, that's all I got. HTH.
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