PAC code with Three to Smarty?

tfboy

Rather annoying that PAC codes can't be used within the same network, I guess the idea is that you "upgrade" if staying within the same network.

I am currently with Three, was paying £8 for unlimited everything on a SIM only deal that had been out of contract for ages, but as it was and still is the best around I didn't want to change. That was until Three forced me.

So I found a good deal with cashback via Quidco - £16/m unlimited everything in a 12 month contract with around £70 cashback. I tried using my PAC code and despite Three's system accepting it in the application, I've now found out it doesn't work. Another issue with the deal being finalised meant the cachback deal hasn't tracked at all.

So after some frustration, I've phoned Three and cancelled the new number / contract and am still on my old one.

TL,DR version: if I switch to Smarty, is that considered a "different" network from Three and so the PAC code will work and I can port my number?

Alternatively, the only other option seems to be to move to a different network totally on a PAYG SIM-only for one month then move back, requiring a double PAC process which seems rather complicated for the sake of getting the best deal around.

I believe I have to stick with three as I work abroad a lot so the free roaming including data and tethering is important and no one else seems to offer a deal at such good value for money.

I don't need a new phone (I have a One Plus 7 that's unlocked), so just after a SIM-only deal.

Thoughts?

username

I would either get another network's pay as you go SIM (like EE, O2, Vodafone etc - one which does not rely on 3 as a parent network, which Smarty does) and PAC transfer your number to that temporarily and reapply via the cashback site with a new number, or get negotiating with 3 on their online chat if you wish to stay with them to get a better offer.

The PAC does not work on the same network as the system is designed for you to transfer it away to a different network if you request a PAC. Nature of the beast I'm afraid.

Like with anything in life it will need some legwork on your part if you want to get a desirable result.

Rodders53

There's reports of people successfully porting from Three to Smarty and from Smarty to Three on this and other forums.

They are, it seems, different networks - even though one is a 'virtual network' using the other's infrastructure.

dc_scotland

I have moved from Three to Smarty to Three and back to Smarty, porting the number each time.  No problems.

sdduk

Yeah move your number to smarty....We know Three own them but they are still classed as a MVO so you can port your number back and forth.

s_r

I was in the same boat as you (£8 SIM only tariff with Three for ages until they recently sent me a letter asking me to select an expensive alternative). So got the PAC code and jumped to O2 SIM only deal (also £8 with more data allowance than what I had with Three). Check out the SIM only deals at Uswitch.com site.

Rodders53

s_r said:

Check out the SIM only deals at Uswitch.com site.

Check the MSE comparison tool first, though. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cheap-mobile-finder/

Then the others (as MSE doesn't always have all of the most cost effective )
Plus the cashback sites, just in case you can double-dip .

will-he-payitoff

Or you could do as I did when I got a letter from 3 saying my £9 p.m. for 4GB was going up to £12. I called them up and came away with 12GB for £8 p.m.

roonaldo

 It's likely because Smarty are a sub-brand of Three