Step by step instructions: Keeping your mobile number and moving to another network

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hyena

21-01-2013

Hope it's ok to bump this old thread.

Just want to make sure there have been no developments in porting mobile numbers and offer my personal scenario for advice.

OK - I am with O2 but fancy getting a new deal with a free gift. It doesn't look like O2 offer that as standard so I may have to go elsewhere if they don't bend.

So to get it right - at what stage do I ask my new provider to install my ported number onto the new phone sim? Do I just order a brand new number then do it afterwards? Would there be any problem with that? I have visions of them telling me I have to pay for that new number for the term of the contract.

Matt D

21-01-2013

I left O2 for Three a few months ago, and kept my number.

I obtained the PAC from O2, and then signed up with Three.

After I received my new phone and Three SIM, I inserted the SIM and activated it.

Then I contacted Three and provided the PAC plus other details required (no. I wanted to keep, temp. Three number I didn't want, SIM no., etc.).

It only took a day or two to go through, IIRC. The number moved to the Three SIM, and the O2 SIM died.

hyena

21-01-2013

Thanks Matt.

So I just order my brand new phone and contract - then call them to transfer my old number?

Also - I'd have to get the timing exactly right wouldnt I? I mean I have to give O2 a month's notice to cancel the contract I think. So I have to keep the number with them until the contract expires. So I may end up having two contracts running simultaneously for a little while.

Matt D

21-01-2013

Originally Posted by hyena:
“Thanks Matt.

So I just order my brand new phone and contract - then call them to transfer my old number?”

Yup.

Originally Posted by hyena:
“Also - I'd have to get the timing exactly right wouldnt I? I mean I have to give O2 a month's notice to cancel the contract I think. So I have to keep the number with them until the contract expires. So I may end up having two contracts running simultaneously for a little while.”

DO NOT CANCEL!

Using the PAC = cancellation.

You don't need to contact O2 and actually cancel, you just give the PAC to the new network.

Once the PAC is used by the new network, that acts as cancellation of the previous contract with the old network.

The PAC lasts for 30 days. If it's not used in that time it expires and the contract continues, unless/until you request and make use of another PAC.

But yeah, there may be timing issues depending on where you are in your contract (if you haven't reached the minimum term you have to pay off the remaining months) and where you are in your billing period.

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