Is a PAC code necessary?

joshly

I have been with Orange since the 90's, always on PAYG, I believe EE took Orange over and have been buying £10 from the EE shop which lasts me a few months as I only carry the phone for emergencies.

The Orange website is no longer available.

I would like to use another companies SIM only deal and keep my existing phone number.
On their website it says "It's easy to keep your number, get a PAC code from your current network".

Is that necessary? The current phone I have was bought abroad where I used Vodafone, when I came back to the UK I just put the Orange SIM in and it worked so I assume that means my phone was unlocked.
Am I able to just purchase the new SIM and put it in the phone and it will work without a PAC code?

twhitehousescat

you need a pac code to give to the new suplier of your sim only plan , they will then transfer your number from orange/ee to them , the pac code comes from orange/ee and has to be used within 30 days

nothing to do with your phone

steveE2

You will need a PAC to transfer your original number

ballyblack

Am I able to just purchase the new SIM and put it in the phone and it will work without a PAC code?

Yes it will work but this is not your old number

To keep ur old number you need the PAC

if you want to use the new number? no need for PAC

,

pmduk

Your phone number is nothing to do with the phone, it is contained in the SIM card, therefore, changing cards will change your number. A PAC will allow you to move the number from one company's SIM to another.

Jenny_EE

joshly wrote: »

I have been with Orange since the 90's, always on PAYG, I believe EE took Orange over and have been buying £10 from the EE shop which lasts me a few months as I only carry the phone for emergencies.

The Orange website is no longer available.

I would like to use another companies SIM only deal and keep my existing phone number.
On their website it says "It's easy to keep your number, get a PAC code from your current network".

Is that necessary? The current phone I have was bought abroad where I used Vodafone, when I came back to the UK I just put the Orange SIM in and it worked so I assume that means my phone was unlocked.
Am I able to just purchase the new SIM and put it in the phone and it will work without a PAC code?

Hello, If the phone is unlocked to be used on any network that's fine you don't need to worry about getting an unlock code for the phone. A PAC code is different and allows you to take your mobile number from one network provider to another. If you want to keep your Orange number on the new network you'll need to give us a call and ask for a PAC code. http://ee.co.uk/help/get-in-touch. Thanks, Jenny

joshly

Thank-you all for the replies.

I do want to keep my number as it is on my business flyers so I will need a PAC code.

d123

joshly wrote: »

Thank-you all for the replies.

I do want to keep my number as it is on my business flyers so I will need a PAC code.

It's a simple process, get the PAC and supply it to the new network a day or 2 before you want the service to transfer (the PAC is valid for 30 days). The old number will be live on the new SIM card the next working day after you've given it to the new provider.

pmduk

joshly wrote: »

I do want to keep my number as it is on my business flyers so I will need a PAC code.

Remember there can be potential pitfalls using a business line on a personal tariff. You have no priority for faults, no consequential loss cover and, technically, the network could close your account for breaching Ts&Cs. (though I've only seen this happen where businesses have misused unlimited calls and texts.)

eDicky

d123 wrote: »

(the PAC is valid for days).

Thirty days. Using it will terminate your Orange service.

d123

eDicky wrote: »

Thirty days. Using it will terminate your Orange service.

That's a weird typo of mine, it was meant to read 30 days...