Keep Your Cell Number When Switching Providers in the UK
Unhappy with my current mobile phone network, I decided to change my network. However, I want to keep my mobile phone number. I have had this number since I was eighteen and, quite honestly, learning another one to tell people would be useless. I love the number I have.
Instead, I looked into alternatives. I could, of course, not change my network and just get a brand spanking new phone which would detract from the fact that my network have managed to completely mess up my bills for the last three months. Still, I would eventually get over the shiny new phone and still be left with the pants service.
Therefore, I got a PAC code to solve my problem.
PAC stands for Port Authorisation Code and your United Kingdom-based network should give you it for free. It enables you to keep your existing mobile phone number even when you switch networks- hurrah! I found a fab site which explained clearly exactly what I had to do.
Before you cancel your mobile phone contract, you ask your network provider for your PAC code (or just "PAC"). Your network provider should issue this either over the phone or deliver it to you within two working days. When you get your new phone, you give them your PAC code. Seven working days later, you have a new phone with the same number.
Your PAC code is free; you shouldn’t get charged for it. Furthermore, ensure you don’t cancel your contract with your existing network until you have been provided with your PAC code and you have passed this onto your new service provider. If you don’t do this, your new service provider may charge you a connection fee for transferring your number across.
So voila! I managed to get rid of my completely pants network but kept the number I adore to hand out to anyone I chose!
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