Can i change networks and keep the same number

You can also change your plan from prepaid to postpaid. An application form, a photocopy of your identification card with signature and a receipt from your current mobile phone provider will be required. A Few Things Before You Begin the Process Your account must be active with your original carrier for more that 90 days and your number must be valid. Your number must not be tied to contractual obligations with the former carrier Your number must be registered.

To make sure that's not a plight that affects you, it's critical that you back up your contacts that are on your old SIM before you start using your new one. The sure fire way to do this is to simply take your SIM out. If you can still see your contacts, it means they're saved on your phone. Can't see them? That means they're on the SIM. Assuming they're saved on the phone that you'll no longer be using, you'll need to back them up. We'd recommend using a cloud storage service. Or, if you've got an Android phone , you might be able to use a microSD card.

In the event that they're stored on the phone and you're keeping your old phone and just switching to a new SIM only deal on a new network, you don't need to do anything. Simply input the new SIM in your phone and your contacts will be there.

If they're stored on your SIM, you'll need to transfer them so they're stored on your phone. This is easy enough to do. Just head to the settings section of your handset and you should find an option to 'copy contacts' or 'import contacts'. It is. As we mentioned earlier, as of 1st July , you can request your PAC code just by sending a text message to The telecoms regulator has introduced the 'Text to Switch' system with the intention of streamlining the switching process.

The key advantage is that you'll no longer have to phone your provider and speak to a sales rep from the network you're leaving, whose job it is to persuade you to stay. Need some more help switching network? You'll find lots of easy-to-follow, crystal-clear advice on our guide to changing network. If you are buying your new mobile online, you should still be able to port your mobile number using the following simple steps:.

From placing my order to changing networks and collecting my phone has been less than 24 hours and again it's been cheaper for the exact same service offered from Three and Vodaphone do themselves. Highly recommend never had a problem and it's very quick, cheaper and hassle free. TrustPilot review. Feel ready to choose a new phone now?

Check out the newest models and best deals here:. Best phone deals. Want an Apple phone? We'll help you get the best iPhone for you. We use cookies and similar technologies. You can use the settings below to accept all cookies which we recommend to give you the best experience or to enable specific categories of cookies as explained below. Find out more by reading our Cookie Policy. The industry has streamlined the process so that it all happens pretty seamlessly, and with the least amount of effort on your part.

A PAC code is a porting authorisation code, a nine digit number that is used to move your phone number from your old network to your new one. You old supplier give you a PAC code when you want to leave and you give this number to your new supplier when you sign up so they can use it to transfer your number to your new service.

Alternatively give your network a call, or request it via your online account pages. Some smaller networks don't have customer service lines, so you'll need to do it online instead.

You should receive your PAC code within one minute of asking. In many cases you'll be given it when you call. But sometimes you'll get it by text instead or as well. No, you don't pay for your PAC code. If you call rather than text then your network they might put you through to the Retentions department where they'll offer you a new deal to try and get you to stay.

But they can't prevent you from leaving, and you are legally entitled to get your PAC code. That said, while the PAC code is free, you will have to pay up any remaining time on your old deal. You normally have to give 30 days notice to leave, so if you're in the last month of your contract, there's no problem. Anything longer, though, and you'd probably be better off waiting.

That is, unless you don't have a choice, like if you're moving to an area where your old network has poor coverage. If you're out of contract, on a day rolling deal, or on pay as you go, you won't have to pay anything to leave. A PAC code is valid for 30 days. It also triggers the 30 day notice period you have to give to leave all but a pay as you go deal.

When you give your PAC code to your new network, the process to port your number will start on the first working day, and should be completed on the second. So, if you give them your PAC code on a Friday, the switch will happen on the following Monday; or if you do it on a Saturday, the switch won't happen until Tuesday.

Your phone number will remain linked to your old SIM card until the switch happens. When it gets deactivated, you can start using your new SIM. Assuming you're on a either a pay monthly or SIM-only contract, you will have to give 30 days notice when you want to quit.