Moving from contract to PAYG but want to take number with me

sparrowlung

I have been on a Vodafone contract for 4 years or so now but want to move to pay as you go because I seldom use up my allowance of calls and texts. The problem is I want to take my number with me and would appreciate any advice on how stragihtforward this is?. Also any advice on the best PAYG deals would be welcome (usage of no more than 50 texts 20 mins calls).

mikegahan

Carphone warehouse have some good "Sim only" deals on their TALK TALK serviceeg you get a SIM card and you use your own firm. As their talk Talk service is actually carried by Vodafone, your current phone will work with their sim without being unlocked. Look on their website or ask at a shop. You can transfer your number over but there are procedures to be carried out so be sure to ask.

Vodafone may be willing to cut you a SIM only deal for a small amount of minutes and texts if you do not want a phone. Ask them - they would prefer this to losing you as a customer. Other posters on this website have been offered such deals. When you speak to them have the details of the CPW deal to hand so making it clear that you will move unless they accommodate you.

agsnu

If moving to a new provider, you need a PAC (pronounced pack, stands for "Porting Authorisation Code") to port your number. You ask Vodafone for the PAC, they give it to you, it's then valid for 30 days. Give the PAC to your new provider, and they'll switch your number to your new account within 2 working days. Once this happens, Vodafone will cease your line and close your account, sending you a final bill etc as is appropriate.

The exact procedure depends on who you're moving to, but if you ask them they'll be happy to tell you (and it will undoubtedly be detailed on their web site).

If you want to move to Vodafone PAYG, the best thing you can do is phone up Vodafone customer services.

As far as what the best deal is, your best bet is to poke around the web sites of the various providers and see what they're offering. Most will offer free PAYG SIMs:

http://freesim.o2.co.uk
http://www.t-mobilesimgiveaway.co.uk/
http://www.orange.co.uk/freesimcard
etc

You may need to get your handset unlocked first.