Changing from one PAYG provider to another but keeping number

doingitanyway

I've been scared to change my phone provider despite receiving poor service where I am regularly taken offline with no internet connection. It generally comes back within 24 hours but is unreliable. Looking it up it seems I can request a PAC code to keep my number. Then I have 30 days to change. Is that correct?

The connection here is fine so I have chosen another provider who uses the same overall network

Are there any pitfalls I haven't thought of?

Keeping my number and a seamless changeover is important to me. If either are at risk I would rather put up with the current rubbish service

Thank you for your help

Neil_Jones

So if you have signal problems on one network where you are why are you picking somebody else who uses that network?  If you're with Vodafone (for example) and you have poor signal then moving to Asda Mobile (who piggy back onto Vodafone) won't actually fix anything.

Get some free PAYG sims from the big four providers and see what sort of signal you get with them all.  If you want to run them for a bit you'll have to put some credit on them.  Then you can make a more informed decision.

As to the original question, you get a PAC code, give it and your temporary number to your new provider and it switches the next working day at 11am if done before 5.30pm, otherwise its the next working day after.  Weekends and bank holidays are not included.  You then just put your new SIM in your phone, stick some credit on it and Bob's your uncle.

Note that you will lose any credit on your old account on switching your account on PAYG.

flaneurs_lobster

There is a risk to your phone number when using a PAC, although thousands of the things are processed each day without any problems. You would be very unlikely to have any problems. Anecdotally, issues seem to be greater when porting from the cheapest MVNOs.

I'd be concerned that any issue with my service is a function of the network itself rather than the individual operator and that any change of provider on the same network would make no difference.

Is there any chance that the lack of internet connectivity is an issue with your phone?

You would be able to check this by obtaining a SIM for your preferred new provider and running it in parallel with your existing service, and if it's better swap your number.

Obviously this requires two phones (frequent swapping of physical SIMs is not recommended) and you would have the extra cost of running two services concurrently.

doingitanyway

I see your point @Neil_Jones but it isn't the signal. I have had this issue where I was before. Other people can be here and nothing happens to their phone. I think the issue is to do with the provider not the network? It has NEVER occurred for others whilst they are here.

I also had this issue on my previous phone so I know it isn't connected to the phone, as I say, it has been an issue for years. I've just been too nervous to change.

Thank you for explaining the PAC system and for your thoughtful response.

doingitanyway

Thanks @flaneurs_lobster As explained:

I doubt it is the phone as I have changed phones and the issue is exactly the same.
I doubt it is the network as it has NEVER affected anyone else when they have been here (although maybe they are using my internet, thinking it trough so I might not know?)

I have an old phone that I could trial the potential provider with. I would be happy to run both phones concurrently to test the network. That seems like a good idea.

Neil49

If you tell us who you are with at the moment I'm sure there are plenty of people who can provide you with information on the good and bad providers who run on the same network.

As a starter, avoid Lyca Mobile. 

Neil_Jones

doingitanyway said:

I see your point @Neil_Jones but it isn't the signal. I have had this issue where I was before. Other people can be here and nothing happens to their phone. I think the issue is to do with the provider not the network? It has NEVER occurred for others whilst they are here.

I also had this issue on my previous phone so I know it isn't connected to the phone, as I say, it has been an issue for years. I've just been too nervous to change.

Thank you for explaining the PAC system and for your thoughtful response.

Are your visitors on the same mobile network or somebody else?

Note that if (to carry on with my existing example) Vodafone has an issue with a mast by you (or a wider problem) then that will affect everybody else who piggybacks onto them as well, not just Vodafone users, so for you moved to Lebara, TalkMobile, Asda or Voxi (these piggy back onto Vodafone) and Vodafone has an issue, the same problem would appear on those four providers as well all other things being equal.

All Lebara/Talk/Asa/Voxi do is borrow/loan air space from Vodafone and resell it, as there are only four mobile networks in the UK - Vodafone, EE, O2 and Three.  Everybody else uses ones of these four providers.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/mobiles/piggybacking/ might be of interest.

oldernonethewiser

Have you ever asked for a replacement SIM from your current provider?

doingitanyway

It is Neil49 said:

If you tell us who you are with at the moment I'm sure there are plenty of people who can provide you with information on the good and bad providers who run on the same network.

As a starter, avoid Lyca Mobile. 

I am on the 02 network
I don't know what networks visitors are on

doingitanyway

oldernonethewiser said:

Have you ever asked for a replacement SIM from your current provider?

Thank you, I haven't. Maybe I should do that first and monitor the service. How could I keep my number in that situation

flaneurs_lobster

doingitanyway said:

oldernonethewiser said:

Have you ever asked for a replacement SIM from your current provider?

Thank you, I haven't. Maybe I should do that first and monitor the service. How could I keep my number in that situation

You need to contact your provider and ask for a SIM swap. 

NOTE, this should be hard to do. If a provider makes it easy to obtain what is basically your phone number then they need to be avoided. Your ID as the rightful owner of the number needs to be verified before they issue a new SIM.