Changing mobile 'phone provider and keeping the same mobile number.

[Deleted User]

I am looking for reassurance and, if anyone can help, I'll really appreciate it.  I have been with EE for my mobile telephone for a number of years and have always been very pleased with the service and with the contracts offered.  Now it looks as if (from October) my monthly payment for a fixed contract is likely to go up by about another £2 per month.

I have never moved mobile 'phone provider at any time and I am a bit anxious about the 'cross over' period in case I do not have access to my mobile 'phone or in case there is a delay in transferring to a new provider with my exisitng mobile number.  I understand that EE can give me the 'code' if I decide to move away from them.  I have plenty of time to think about it as my present mobile 'phone contract runs until mid October.

Plusnet provide my landline and broadband and I have a fixed term contract with them.  I have always found their technical support to be excellent as, even after all this time, I am still not all that good with technology although much better than I used to be - thanks to help from the Forums here.  I also like having quite a long contract as, financially, it helps me to know where I stand with bills etc.  As an existing customer Plusnet will offer a £6 per month contract  to include mobile and landline calls - I'm not sure if 0845 numbers are included.  I am also not sure if or for how long it would be fixed. The £6 iPlusnet offer ncludes 6 GB mobile internet use.  At present I have 2 GB from EE and unlimited texts and minutes - not including 0845 numbers which cost quite a bit more.. Most of the time I use Broadband at home and I really only need the mobile GB for 'emergencies.' 

The Plusnet offer is very tempting although I would need to ask them about the length (if any) of this special £6/6GB contract offer and any other conditions.

My main concern is, if I move from EE to Plusnet, in case there is any delay transferring from one to the other when I may lose access to my mobile 'phone service.

If any of you experienced people have any opinions or can reassure me at all it will be very much appreciated, thank you.  Thankfully there is no rush (unless Plusnet remove their special offer to existing Plusnet customers)  but I am eager to be prepared in case I do have to move away from EE.

Thank you very much for any opinions and help.

Crimson

elsien

I've changed a few times and not had any issues or any delays past a couple of hours or so. But I do have a second phone with a PAYG sim, which I have for other reasons but means I do still have a phone if there are any problems. 

[Deleted User]

That's encouraging, thanks very much for replying elsien.  A few hours would definitely not be a problem.  Occasionally (pre Covid/Lockdown) if I had a problem my local EE shop staff were also very good at sorting it out.  I would lose that if I moved from EE although my experience of technical support from PlusNet has always been good - and, of course, always great and much appreciated help and support here too.

Crimson

Exemplar

Any porting process can have issues, I see them often. However 99.9% go through smoothly.

It's normally best to have both SIM cards in live phones on the day. 

Porting normally takes place in the morning.

It's good practise to switch both handsets off and on frequently causing the SIM to look to the network for any changes.

Normally the worst that happens is 'split service' where you may get a text on one phone and a call on the other. Rebooting handsets sorts this more quickly.

[Deleted User]

That is so good to know, Exemplar and I'm grateful to you for bringing it to my attention.  It does put the wind up me a bit though!  I'll think carefully before deciding although I definitely don't feel able to accept EE's suggested monthly increase of an additional £2 per month.

I would be trying to do it with just my one existing Moto G7 Power mobile 'phone.

Crimson

NSG666

As elsien said, there will be a few hours on the day of changeover when your existing number won't work then all will be fine.
You don't even need to contact EE to get your PAC

Switching mobile phone provider - Ofcom


The reason for me posting is regarding 0845 numbers - it doesn't always work but sometimes if you google the number you will be presented with a number to call from outside the UK ++44 or 0044 followed by the number which is often a straight forward landline number and is included in your minutes. Companies that use 0845 numbers are a pet hate of mine and I tend to avoid them but not always possible.

[Deleted User]

I didn't know that about 0845 numbers, thank you NSG666, and thank you for the helpful Ofcom link too.

Crimson

flashg67

I have been with Plusnet mobile in the past with no issues. It looks like the existing customer offer you're looking at is a 30 day rolling contract, so not much to commit to f you change your mind.
I can echo others comments in that I've swapped providers a number of times, as have family members, and have never experienced more than a few hours without service. You have 30 days to use your EE PAC (code) once you get it, so no rush once you have it. Try and make the swap during the week as weekends can delays things. 

Neil49

All I would add is that I wouldn't port my number on a Friday. If anything goes wrong you can bet that nothing will be done to resolve the issue until Monday.


I would recommend either Tuesday or Wednesday if it's possible for you. 

jnm21

Neil49 said:

All I would add is that I wouldn't port my number on a Friday. If anything goes wrong you can bet that nothing will be done to resolve the issue until Monday.


I would recommend either Tuesday or Wednesday if it's possible for you. 

I would second that advice 110%.

I would say that the 'a few hours' advice here is possible, maybe even normally the case, but from first thing until after lunch is not impossible, even tea time is not unheard of.

That said OP porting is invaluable for getting better deals, so go for it.  If Vodafone is OK in your area, then Lebara is worth a look. For example £4.90 for 3GB, £5.95 for 5GB or £6.95 for 10GB.

[Deleted User]

I'm really very appreciative of all these helpful replies and it's good to know and learn from others' first hand experiences.  I have been on YouTube and think I'll be able to swap the SIM over.  The last time, when I changed my 'phone but stayed with EE, the local EE shop staff (very helpful) did it for me.

It's always a learning process and good to have such helpful advice, thank you.

Crimson