SIM Only Deal - Questions about the Process of Swapping to a New Provider

LavenderBees

Hi there!

Hoping you can help me understand the process a bit better. My current SIM only deal with EE expires 24th Oct. I've taken a look at what's available today and also spoken with EE. Everything EE offered was more expensive than what I currently pay and I don't need more data etc, so they were a bit at a loss when I started quoting cheaper elsewhere...anyway, they mustn't be bothered about retaining me as there is no better offer forthcoming.

And that's fine as there are MUCH better deals out there. But my questions as a first timer moving to a new supplier are - 

 If I request my PAC code and take advantage of a deal today (08/10), presumably, I'll get charged a cancellation fee by EE (I forgot to ask them in my call...) or can I start the transfer but ask for my new contract to start on 24th Oct? (or should that be 25th Oct? so I don't get charged by EE as well as a new supplier?  


Hope this makes sense. Thanks so much in advance of any advice on how best to go with this! 

cymruchris

If you request your PAC while there's still remaining time on your contract, they may very well charge an early termination fee. It costs nothing to get your PAC - and it's valid for 1 month - in the PAC message it will tell you if you are due to pay an early termination fee. If you don't use the PAC until after the contract period has been reached - then no early termination fee will be due. If you don't use the PAC code - it will expire naturally - and you can ask for another one later down the line.

LavenderBees

cymruchris said:

If you request your PAC while there's still remaining time on your contract, they may very well charge an early termination fee. It costs nothing to get your PAC - and it's valid for 1 month - in the PAC message it will tell you if you are due to pay an early termination fee. If you don't use the PAC until after the contract period has been reached - then no early termination fee will be due. If you don't use the PAC code - it will expire naturally - and you can ask for another one later down the line.

Thank you! I have got my PAC code and the charge for leaving early. t looks like it'll be cheaper to take out the new deal today but I'll do a bit of digging first into the new provider. Thank you!

flaneurs_lobster

Just a hint. If you can, make sure you are happy with the new provider's service (preferably with their sim in your phone) before you submit the PAC. Might mean a short period of double charges but easiest if any problems with new co.

LavenderBees

Hi again!

I decided to wait until my contract was up and now I have received the SIM card with Lebara. Inserted it into my phone and I seem to need a NCK code to unlock my phone? My phone is  Huawei P Smart 2020. My current SIM is with EE and always has been.

Any ideas how I get around my phone being locked to this provider. Googling seems to suggest I have to pay for a code to unlock it, but I am hoping not as that negates the point of shopping around for a cheaper option.

Really appreciate any help!



 

  

Murmansk

Sounds like it's locked to a network so won't work with a SIM on other networks until you take it to your friendly independent local mobile phone shop who should be able to do it for you

400ixl

It has been illegal to lock a phone to a network and charge for a release for some years now.

Go to the following link https://myaccount.ee.co.uk/app/device-unlock and enter the IMEI number (which you can obtain be dialling *#06# into its keypad) to get it unlocked.

LavenderBees

Thanks for your help. EE were very helpful despite not being able to find my IMEI on their records. They tried BT who sold me the phone and SIM originally and they couldn't find me either. However, a few hours later I received an email from EE with an unlock number which worked. Yay!

This is my first time changing to a new network provider. I didn't realise it can take a few days to port your existing number though. Never mind, learning all the time and saving money, every little helps.

Thanks again!