Keeping the same number

sjw64

Hi

I know to some this is so obvious but to me ....... (it’s an age thing!) Sorry!

Can someone explain in a simple plain old fashioned manner how I go about keeping my mobile number if I change providers at the end of my contract?

I’m with EE and have an iPhone6 with the contract ending in a month or so. MSE weekly newsletter highlighted Plusnet offering a SIM only deal for £10 – data/txt/calls – all suit me.

How do I go about taking up this offer, cancelling my current one and keeping my number?

System

You ask your current provider for a PAC code. You give this code to your new provider. Usually takes a couple of days to do the transfer. You'll get no notification that it has other than no service on the old SIM as providers take the activation of the PAC code as a notice to end the contract which is the only downside. Helps if you have two phones so you can keep the old SIM in a phone to take calls over the 2 day period.

Neil49

Before making the switch just make sure that your iPhone is unlocked.

Many users find that they are locked to the provider of the first sim inserted into the phone and can't easily unlock it.

eDicky

It is only the minimum term of your contract that will expire soon, the contract will continue to run if you do nothing.

When you call EE to get your PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) they will probably put you through to their 'Retentions' department who will try to offer you a deal to keep you as a customer. You can tell them what you intend moving to, and they may be able to offer something equivalent or perhaps even better. There's no need to decide immediately, they'll give you time, and you can get your PAC if you still prefer to move. So, it is best to ask for your PAC before signing up with another provider, to have the option of staying with EE if preferable.

sdduk

Also remember the Pac code only lasts 30 days and then you would have to ring again to get a new one over wise your contract will continue....So you must use with-in 30 days....

[Deleted User]

eDicky wrote: »

It is only the minimum term of your contract that will expire soon, the contract will continue to run if you do nothing.

When you call EE to get your PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) they will probably put you through to their 'Retentions' department who will try to offer you a deal to keep you as a customer. You can tell them what you intend moving to, and they may be able to offer something equivalent or perhaps even better. There's no need to decide immediately, they'll give you time, and you can get your PAC if you still prefer to move. So, it is best to ask for your PAC before signing up with another provider, to have the option of staying with EE if preferable.

I second this.

Tell EE what Plusnet are offering exactly and get them to match it, if they won't just politely ask for the PAC (they'll email or text it to you).

Guys_Dad

Whatever you do, DO NOT TELL THEM YOU WANT TO CANCEL YOUR CONTRACT.

That will lose you your number.

Ask for PAC code.
Give it to new network.
When it transfers, your old contract is ended, subject to any notice period and charges.
DO NOT CANCEL old direct debit for a couple of months but keep your eye on your bank statement

J_B

Neil49 wrote: »

Before making the switch just make sure that your iPhone is unlocked.

This is the important bit.

It's so much easier to get it unlocked by your current network (EE) as an existing customer.

There are other unlocking which are unreliable and expensive.

AndyPK

Yeah ask of PAC number, but hope you can do a deal with EE

A locked EE phone should work with plusnet and Virgin though, but its a good time to get it unlocked

eDicky

Colin_Maybe wrote: »

Tell EE what Plusnet are offering exactly and get them to match it, if they won't just politely ask for the PAC (they'll email or text it to you).

I think the first thing to do is ask for the PAC, to demonstrate that you are serious about leaving and have a plan in mind - this may influence what they offer you for staying with them. Getting a PAC doesn't mean that you have to use it, and if you don't your contract will continue as normal.

Last April I called EE, asked for my PAC and was put through to Retentions. I was thinking of moving to a Life Mobile or similar low-user tariff. The agent offered me a decent 12-month SIM-only plan for £5, but I said I would take the PAC and he gave it to me over the phone, saying that I had seven days to accept the deal still. Ten days later I decided it would do me, so I called and signed up.

[Deleted User]

eDicky wrote: »

I think the first thing to do is ask for the PAC, to demonstrate that you are serious about leaving and have a plan in mind - this may influence what they offer you for staying with them. Getting a PAC doesn't mean that you have to use it, and if you don't your contract will continue as normal.

Last April I called EE, asked for my PAC and was put through to Retentions. I was thinking of moving to a Life Mobile or similar low-user tariff. The agent offered me a decent 12-month SIM-only plan for £5, but I said I would take the PAC and he gave it to me over the phone, saying that I had seven days to accept the deal still. Ten days later I decided it would do me, so I called and signed up.

Asking for the PAC upfront can sound aggressive, you need to talk to the agent first and see what's possible. If no success then ask for the PAC. I work in CS, from my perspective I'll always help someone who's polite much more than I would someone who gets up my nose from the off.