Why does texting 65075 for PAC incur a charge?

Airlane1979

O2 informed me today that my price will increase substantially for my SIM only monthly contract. I found a cheaper price on this site and I wish to keep my number. I've not done this for a very long time so I am unsure of the process. Apparently I text PAC to 65075 for a code. When I began to do this in my phone, it warned me that it would incur a charge. How can I avoid having to pay this?

sheffieldeagle

My phone always warns me of this (it's the phone warning of possible premium rate number charges) but you are not be charged using the text PAC system.

Cheers

d123

Airlane1979 said:

O2 informed me today that my price will increase substantially for my SIM only monthly contract. I found a cheaper price on this site and I wish to keep my number. I've not done this for a very long time so I am unsure of the process. Apparently I text PAC to 65075 for a code. When I began to do this in my phone, it warned me that it would incur a charge. How can I avoid having to pay this?

Probably just your phone being confused, it’s a mandatory free text.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/switching-provider/switching-mobile-phone-provider/

We’ve made it quicker and easier to leave your current mobile provider. Ofcom rules mean you can switch mobile provider by sending a simple, free text message to your current provider.

PHK

I suspect the phone actually told you that you MAY be charged. Your phone has no way of knowing your tariff and so doesn't know whether a particular number is or isn't chargeable. 

Shortcode numbers may be free, standard rate or premium rate. So your phone sensibly gives you a warning. 

Neil_Jones

Airlane1979 said:

O2 informed me today that my price will increase substantially for my SIM only monthly contract. I found a cheaper price on this site and I wish to keep my number. I've not done this for a very long time so I am unsure of the process. Apparently I text PAC to 65075 for a code. When I began to do this in my phone, it warned me that it would incur a charge. How can I avoid having to pay this?

You don't.  There is no charge for PAC requests.

It's more likely the phone said you "may" be charged, not you "will" be charged.

If you are charged then refer your provider to the Ofcom guidance and get it refunded because you shoudln't be being charged.

Neil49

Take a look at O2 deals on the Uswitch site. They can be substantially cheaper than going direct to O2 but the link takes you straight into the O2 website where the signing up process includes the option of keeping your existing number. There's no need to mess around getting a pac

I do this every couple of years to return to a cheaper deal. 

Frozen_up_north

Neil49 said:

Take a look at O2 deals on the Uswitch site. They can be substantially cheaper than going direct to O2 but the link takes you straight into the O2 website where the signing up process includes the option of keeping your existing number.

Beware that O2 are planning a significant price increase soon, new customers from Jan, existing from April 2025, it was on Sky News. Quote: "Customers on a mobile deal worth £15 a month will see an increase of 12% a year".

GrubbyGirl_2

Frozen_up_north said:

Neil49 said:

Take a look at O2 deals on the Uswitch site. They can be substantially cheaper than going direct to O2 but the link takes you straight into the O2 website where the signing up process includes the option of keeping your existing number.

Beware that O2 are planning a significant price increase soon, new customers from Jan, existing from April 2025, it was on Sky News. Quote: "Customers on a mobile deal worth £15 a month will see an increase of 12% a year".

I have literally just renewed with O2 this afternoon and my contract definitely doesn't say that it says the usual rpi +3.9%

Frozen_up_north

The increase is stated as £1.80 (£15 + £1.80 = 12%).

Percentage increases on phone contracts have been outlawed by OFCOM.

Another news outlets also with the same story is this one:
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/technology/virgin-media-o2-bill-rises-on-mobile-and-broadband-contracts-slammed-as-hard-to-justify/ar-AA1u3Ey8