Switching Your Mobile Phone

How to keep your old number, this guide on switching your mobile phone provides all the information you need to get a new contract but keep your old number.

• How do I keep my old number?
• How do I get my PAC code?
• Will I be refused a PAC code?
• How long will it take for my old number to be ported across?
• Do I need a PAC code if I am buying a new phone on the same network?
• I'm on Pay As You Go, and am upgrading to a Pay Monthly contract – can I keep my old number?
• What if I am switching to a SIM-only contract?
• Will I be able to keep any credit/minutes/texts left over from my old contact?

How do I keep my old number?

We know what its like – you've had a phone with the same number for ages. You know your number off by heart, everyone in your family knows it and all your friends know it – you have a long list of contacts on your phone that you would have to go through the hassle of contacting or writing down (so last century) in the event of you changing your number. Even then, you have to go through the inconvenience of group texting everyone your new number – which would cost you money or eat into your allowance of free texts.

However, you've just seen a new phone available on a different network for a great price, it comes with a really attractive tariff and it boasts a range of great features – but you want to keep your old number.

In many cases, you will be able to keep your old number by switching or porting your old number for the new one which comes with the new phone you want once you've bought it.

Before you sign on the dotted line for your new handset, there are a number of things you should check first if you want to keep your old number. 

• Check the Terms and Conditions of your contract

Certain handsets from a number of mobile providers may 'lock in' SIM cards into their phones making porting not impossible, but just more complicated. SIMs that are locked in will need to be deactivated by paying an unlocking fee.

Also, you may not be able to move your number across to another phone if you are halfway through an existing contract; as with contract upgrades, you may have to wait.

If you have signed an 18 month contract with, Orange for example, you will normally not be able to switch contracts until the 17th month.

How do I get my PAC code?

If you are changing networks and providers then you can request a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) from the customer services department of your current network provider. This is similar to the MAC code (Migration Authorisation Code) that you are required to get from your ISP if you are switching broadband providers.

A PAC code will allow you to keep you number and transfer it to a new handset if you are changing to a different network, so this way you can keep in touch with your contacts and won't have to waste credit sending people your new number. This process can take time, often around two weeks, and in the meantime you are stuck with a temporary number.

Your current network provider is obliged to supply you with a PAC code normally within 2 working days of your request. A PAC code is only valid for 30 days after you have requested it from your network provider, and must be submitted to your new provider within that time period.

Will I be refused a PAC code?

If you are not approaching the end of your contract, then you probably will not be furnished with a PAC code – usually you can ask and receive your PAC code in the second to last month of the contract, sometimes earlier. Talk to your network provider and check the terms and conditions of your contract.

How long will it take for my old number to be ported across?

It can take up to 14 days for your number to transfer across. Your new network will provide you with a temporary number until your number has been fully ported across.

Do I need a PAC code if I am buying a new phone on the same network?

No, but you can still keep your old number. If you are moving to another phone and tariff within your network (i.e. you are not changing your network provider) then you will not need to get your PAC code, as they will be able to switch your existing number to your new phone – simply call up your network provider, and they will be able to move your old number over to your new phone.

Moving your old number across to a new phone internally usually takes around 24 hours to complete, and requires you to switch your phone off and on again, but sometimes it can take longer. Again, you will be supplied with a temporary number to use in the interim.

I'm on Pay As You Go, and am upgrading to a Pay Monthly contract – can I keep my old number?

Yes – the process from moving from PAYG to Pay Monthly is the same whether you are moving onto a contract with your existing provider or another network.

What if I am switching to a SIM-only contract?

With a SIM-only contract, your existing or new network provider will send you a new SIM card in the post along with details of your new contract – you simply put the new card into your handset and away you go.

The process of porting remains the same – you can easily move your existing number over to your new SIM card once it has arrived. As before, if you are changing networks you will need your PAC code, and if not just simply contact your network and they will do the rest.

Will I be able to keep any credit/minutes/texts left over from my old contact?

You will normally not be able to keep any credit if you are transferring from PAYG to Pay Monthly or SIM-only.