BT contract and porting number

mobilejunkie

The_Fat_Controller wrote: »

If you cancel the BT contract by giving notice and get a PAC code, even though the code is theoretically valid for 30 days, if you try to use it beyond the BT cancellation date, the SIM/number will be disconnected.

AFAIK you cannot port in a disconnected number even if you have a PAC code relating to it.

That is incorrect and misleading. The number/contract would continue unless the PAC is exercised within 30 days.

The_Fat_Controller

OK @mobilejunkie how does this scenario pan out ?

You give BT 30 days notice on the 1st, by phone, NOT requesting a PAC code at that stage.

You request a PAC code on the 15th but do not use it.

BT disconnect your service on the 31st.

You try to use the PAC code on the 5th of the following month to port a now disconnected number using a PAC code that is theoretically still valid.

mobilejunkie

Maybe you should learn how mobile contracts work - unless BT is the opposite of all other networks. The notice disappears when the PAC is requested. The contract won't end so the PAC can be exercised normally on 5th of the following month. It's not that difficult to understand.

The_Fat_Controller

OK, fine, but I have never seen it written down that a PAC code overrides formal notice, but I guess by the tone you are using you are 100% certain that is the case.

All I know is that a PAC code gives you the ability to port a number within a 30 day validity period.

It seems very strange that if you have given notice and subsequently request a PAC code but do not use it within 30 days, you actually stay as you were the day before you told the provider you were leaving.

Seems a pretty difficult concept after all.

eDicky

The_Fat_Controller wrote: »

Seems a pretty difficult concept after all.

When you think about it, it needs to operate that way to avoid just the scenario of lost phone number that you theorised - your number needs to be available for porting for the full thirty days, regardless of any previous cancellation notice.

The drawback is when people cancel, then decide to get their PAC but don't use it, then wonder why their contract is still running and direct debits bring taken months later. So we're always ready to have to explain and emphasise here how it works.

mobilejunkie

The_Fat_Controller wrote: »

OK, fine, but I have never seen it written down that a PAC code overrides formal notice, but I guess by the tone you are using you are 100% certain that is the case.

All I know is that a PAC code gives you the ability to port a number within a 30 day validity period.

It seems very strange that if you have given notice and subsequently request a PAC code but do not use it within 30 days, you actually stay as you were the day before you told the provider you were leaving.

Seems a pretty difficult concept after all.

It's just the way it is. I don't make the rules, but giving incorrect advice can do more harm than good.

grumbler

PlumbingTheDepths wrote: »

Hi,
I am currently on a 12 month contract with BT mobile which expires on March 12th.
I have signed up to Smarty, and have the SIM card which I will be activating now, because it needs to be activated by Feb 4th to obtain an offer.
I would like to know when the best time to port my number from BT to Smarty would be, and how to manage the BT cancellation.
I don't mind when the number is ported, but I obviously want to avoid being charged early termination

If Smarty allowances are not smaller that your current BT ones and if you aren't going to use both SIMs simultaneously, then there is no 'best' time. In the best case case scenario you have to pay BT until the contract expires and the ETC is exactly the amount you have to pay to cover the remaining days after the number is ported.


So, if Smarty allowances aren't smaller, then just port the number ASAP.