Going through the PAC process

iamnotasoldier

Hi 

Anyone been through the process of transferring a mobile number via PAC process? Is it relatively easy? Any pitfalls to be wary of?

Am I right in thinking I will be without contact via that number whilst the process is ongoing? Will my new SIM work for accessing data etc but I won't get messages or calls? What about WhatsApp? 

Sorry just trying to figure what this process will entail!

dnpark38

I;ve just read this which was just this am given on another MSE forum post.
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/switching-provider/switching-mobile-phone-provider

Frozen_up_north

Firstly, it is straightforward if you obtain your PAC via a text message:

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

Obviously you need to obtain a new SIM from whoever you want to change to. Put that SIM in your phone and make sure it meets your needs, ie coverage at home/work/supermarket/pub, etc.

Give your PAC to the new provider, the change over takes place on the next working day after you submit the PAC,although you may be able to pick a day to suit yourself. Beware of submitting the PAC over a weekend as the likely change over is then going to be at least Tuesday (not Monday).

On the day of the change over, typically around 8am, your old number/SIM will cease to work. However your new SIM will not instantly work with the new number. You need to turn off/on your phone to have it pick up the new number, etc. Check with another phone that texts and calls work both ways, it may take an hour or two for everything to settle down. It should not matter to WhatsApp, as your number is now the same as it previously was.

The important point is that the change over is not "instant", but don't panic, lots and lots of us swap networks.

Neil49

Be aware that you must backup WhatsApp on your old phone before making the switch. 

On Android it's the 3 dots top right of the screen and select Settings. Scroll down to Chat backup and run it from there.