Using PAC code in time

TheNewNormal

On the 1st of this month I requested a PAC code from EE which is valid for another two days until 30 June.

I'm moving to a sim only with O2. I would've preferred to move earlier in the month but had been concerned about paying for two contracts overlapping so saw out the majority of my 30 days notice period before using the PAC to make the switch.

O2 advised I could enter my PAC at checkout and the port would "only take 24 hours."

I ordered my O2 sim only earlier this morning and duly submitted my PAC.

However I hadn't been made aware that I'd have to wait for the sim to arrive (which could take "up to 3 days" via Royal Mail) and must activate it first before the port would be complete. In the meantime the sim will have a temporary number.

My assumption had been by inputting the PAC at checkout my number would port to the new sim within said '24 hours' regardless or whether it had arrived or been activated.

A few years ago T-Mobile issued a charge on my account for not using a PAC code and I'm afraid of similar happening again.

The instruction from EE was that my PAC code is valid for 30 days and I must give it to my new provider within that time. Which I have done.

Critically is it myself who needs to hand it over to O2 within the 30 days or O2 who must perform the porting process within that time?

I'm worried that if the new sim comes after 30 June then my PAC might have already expired.

I want to avoid any extra charges from EE at all costs. Retaining my number comes a distant second.

Having spoken to both parties before the switch neither had mentioned STAC codes. It's been a few years since I last changed networks and I had been totally unfamiliar with them until reading up.

Do I have anything to worry about with the timing of the PAC process and if so would I be better off requesting a STAC or another course of action to avoid additional charges? 

eDicky

If you want to keep your number a PAC must be used, with a STAC it will be lost.

If I'm not mistaken, the porting of your number must take place within the 30 days. If it doesn't, the PAC will expire and you will need to request a new one, while your original contract with EE will continue until it's used.

Jon_01

Sounds very likely the port will fail and you'll have to ask for another PAC. This will, I'm afraid, start another 30 days exit from EE.

flashg67

I thought the idea of double billing had stopped with the new process. When I got my last PAC, it also have me the amount it would cost, so in theory, you now only pay for time used, rather than a full month?

[Deleted User]

You could let the PAC expire if not claimed by the 30th and ask EE to issue a new one or you could get a Pay as you go sim and port onto that and off again to O2

molerat

As long as you are out of contract you will only be billed pro rata for the number of days up to the number port meaning you will get a refund on the advance payment.  A STAC works in the same way as a PAC, you give it to the new provider and they send it to the old provider to cancel the service but the number does not port.  Likely best to wait a few days and get a new PAC.

TheNewNormal

Is there any charge for not using a PAC code these days?

As I let one expire under T-Mobile in the past and they charged me (although I did manage to get it waived).