Am looking to switch providers, but want to carry my mobile # along. I understand I need a porting authorization code (PAC) from my current provider.

Given that the current provider (O2 on a business account) provides account management service below freezing point, I would expect them to hang on to the contract for as long as they can, and be very reluctant to issue a PAC.

Generally speaking, will a provider issue a PAC at their discretion, or are they in some way legally obliged to do so?

They don't have the luxury of hanging around. Ofcom rules say they have to issue you a PAC within two working days of you asking for it.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consumeradvi...ile/switching/

There are links on that page that fully explain the process and what to do if it all goes pear shaped.

They are required under the OFCOM code to issue a PAC, provided certain conditions are met (basically you don't owe them money).

You shouldn't have any difficulty getting one from any of the networks (except 3) because of the current economic climate people are reporting that no attempt is being made to retain customers by offering cut-price deals.

On the subject of porting, make sure you follow the instructions so as to ensure a speedy trouble free port.

The only network that can delay giving you your porting authorisation code () is Orange because they send it out by post rather than give it to you over the phone. But the others are right, you should get it trouble-free.

Thanks to everyone for speedy and knowlegable replies.

It doesn't delay you. If you call up in the last month (18) of the contract and request your PAC it will be with you before the end of your contract and you are ready to give it to your new supplier.

Even if you call up after then, you still have to serve 30 days notice and it is with you before then. If you choose to use the PAC before the 30 days has expired you will be charged the remainder.

I'm talking about PAYG - I was told they're only given out by post and a former Orange employee on here once said this done to discourage churn - the hope was people would rather stay than wait the extra few days.

In regards to PAYG I can see it causing a small delay, but please don't listen to tittle tattle, a lot of staff claim to know the reasons for a lot of things but them being staff makes it no more accurate.

The reason Orange choose to send it out by letter is to stop errors by reading it out which cause a cost to Orange in calls back to us, angry customers etc with a letter there are no mistakes. If you actually kick up enough fuss, it will be text to you, but it will never be read over the phone.

Vodafone quotes a year before releasing a PAC/PUK or unlock code. (3 different numbers)

Before that they may charge, But they are legally obliged to, even if you just bought the phone. Well PAC anyway, Google PAC law.

You can also search unlock codes. Or phone your provider customers services. They will tell you what is what.

Tesco uses the o2 network. If you unlock your handset you can chop and change SIMs.

3 rd post. Get the leaflet from the checkout

Unless something has changed in the last year or so that's not quite accurate - I once waited more than a week for my Orange pac to arrive and when I called them up to complain they told me over the phone rather than have me wait any longer.