Free SIM and free activation

OrangeChocolate

Does such a SIM card exist? I want to transfer one number to another SIM within the same mobile company, but they say I have to port out and then port back again. I’d rather not have to pay to do it. Does anyone have any suggestions please?

flaneurs_lobster

3 Data Reward SIM is free, perhaps someone on here has used one (without minimum topup of £2) to do triangular port? The phone would just have to receive SMS to confirm port instructions, the actual requests could be made using My3 account?

Just about to port number from/to Vodafone but I've got a spare activated GiffGaff sim w/ a couple of quid on it that I'm going to sacrifice. Not starting until Monday as porting over weekend can be problematic.

k_man

Asda SIM allows incoming calls/texts without adding any balance (activated as son as installed into mobile).

Not tried it for number porting though.

flaneurs_lobster

k_man said:

Asda SIM allows incoming calls/texts without adding any balance (activated as son as installed into mobile).

Not tried it for number porting though.

Might work. In order to transfer number TO the Asda SIM you would need to a) send PAC by text (can't do since zero credit) or b) enter PAC into relevant bit of online account. So questions are a) can you set up online account for SIM w/ zero credit, and  b) can you enter PAC instruction for SIM w/ zero credit. 

Similar questions when porting away from Asda.

Think I've got an unused Asda sim, might give it a go (but not for a couple of days). 

k_man

Good questions!

OrangeChocolate

Thanks everyone! It’s actually Three I’m wanting to switch, so I’ve got an ASDA SIM ordered now and I’ll give it a go when it arrives.

flaneurs_lobster

Transfer request submitted (and confirmed by email) Vodafone --> Asda, done online using account for SIM w/ zero credit. Transfer expected Tuesday (next working day +1). Will report.

An aside, Asda mobile app now available (Apple, Google). Cursory look shows same functionality as web (natch) but w/ added biometric login.

flaneurs_lobster

All good so far, old number now receiving calls/SMS on Asda SIM. Can't test outbound since zero credit. Have tried to add credit of £1 using text (which I've done previously on another account) but error says top-up must be at least £5. 

OrangeChocolate

I’ve got my number ported to ASDA too now, inbound text and calls are fine. ASDA app won’t let me request a PAC to go back to 3 on a different SIM though. 

flaneurs_lobster

I've just completed port back to Vodafone via ASDA. Had no problem requesting PAC (I did it by text). Do you get any kind of error message? Are you trying to request PAC on same day as port to Asda? 

The difference may be that I bottled it and added a fiver credit to the Asda account (I've had this number for ~20 years and didn't want to risk it disappearing into mobile black hole over long Bank Holiday).

OrangeChocolate

With the text way I get this error:

” Sorry, your PAC request is being processed by your new network provider and cannot be cancelled. You current mobile number will become inactive on <chosen port date>.”

Via the app it says “Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again later or contact support.”

I’ll leave it until Monday now I think.