Three Network - problem with retaining mobile phone number - a cautionary tale

Cimbalon

I saw the Three Network advertised deal on the MSE site for £7 pm for 12GB of data, unlimited calls and texts. As I am an existing customer and my contract ends with Three halfway through next month I contacted them directly to get the deal but alas, although I have been a customer for five years, the best they could offer me was £12 pm - a difference of £60 over the length of the contract. No amount of cajoling could persuade them to give me the deal advertised. I decided to let my existing contract lapse and to go directly for the £7 deal with the intention of moving my existing number to the new sim using a PAC code. The sim duly arrived, I inserted it into my phone and accessed the 3 website to transfer my number. Unfortunately, I couldn't do this as the PAC code was for a 3 Network sim. I contacted 3 by phone, explained my predicament with the expectation that they would be able to transfer my number between sims given that both were theirs. At this point the conversation became surreal. In order for me to transfer my number, I had to transfer my old number from a pay monthly to pay as you go contract, keep that contract for 30 days then request the number transfer at the end of that period. This strikes me as sharp practice so I have canceled my new contract under the cooling-off rules (at least I think I have - their call centre staff do not fill me with confidence so I have followed up in writing). Needless to say, this has left me with a rather jaundiced view of Three.

getmore4less

Pretty standard for most networks. 
Most recommended porting out to new network then porting back, can be quicker.

Not sure all networks allow port to Payg and back to monthly

mongoose2009

you have to switch out to a PAYG sim first then back

J_B

I wonder if you've lost your number?

You've used the PAC, which cancels your old contract but have now cancelled the new contract  .....

I don't know the answer, sorry

jon81uk

Standard with all networks really, can't transfer a number between contracts on the same network.

macman

If you'd done it the normal way, then no need to wait 30 days on the PAYG. Just port out to a free 3rd party PAYG SIM, get your PAC, and go back again. Takes 2 or 3 working days.