Hi,
I am planning on taking a second contract with 3 before my first contract has reached the end of its minimum term. My question is:

Does anyone know if it is possible for three to swap my current number with the one on the sim that comes with the new handset, in order for me to use my old number with the new contract, you see this new contract has better minutes, texts etc than the old one? That way the old contract can continue to run using a new number till I am able to cancel it, while I don`t have to text a changed number to everyone.

I am planning to go into the 3 store to organise the new contract soon, and just wanted to check if anyone knew if this was possible before I go in.
Thanks

Not possible I'm afraid. Moving your number to another contract acts as termination of the old contract, and you'll need to pay the remainder of the contract off in one go. This won't be right away, you'll get your final bill anywhere between 14 and 30 days after.

They can give you a new number on the same contract, but your current number will be lost. There's no way around it unfortunately.

You can get the old number transferred to the new contract but its a bit long winded and will take a few days.

You need to get a PAYG SIM for another network, anyone like o2, orange etc.

Firstly, when your first contract is over, get a PAC code and transfer that number to the PAYG SIM that is on the other network.

At this point, the PAYG SIM has your original number. Once that transfer goes through, request a PAC code on that PAYG SIM and transfer it to your new contract and you are done.

Three are very good at giving PAC codes, call them up and you will have it within minutes of the call ending with them.

I recently asked a similar question in my local 3 shop. Their advice was the same as ThePhenom's apart from there being no need to get another network involved. They said I could transfer my original number to a 3 PAYG SIM and then on to a new contract SIM.

Ah yes, only just found out myself recently that you can transfer between 3 Pay Monthly and 3 PAYG and vice versa.

Not sure if the process is any quicker, worth finding out.

An important point that you've all missed, is that the OP is not at the end of their contract. They want to move their number before the contract ends.

True! However, they might be able to move to a different plan on their current contract.