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Switching Mobile Networks: All You Need To Know

Last updated on February 19, 2014

There are tons of mobile operators to choose from on the UK market, and that means both that prices are kept reasonable and also that your decision is a little overwhelming if you’re looking to choose a new provider. Many people sign their first contract with an operator, and then simply stay with that operator for their next contracts because it seems easier. But there are some good reasons why you might want to switch providers. Today we’re discussing everything you need to know about switching networks, from why you might want to do so to how to get your pac code. So if you’re still with your original operator, read on to find out why that might not be the best situation for you…

Why You Might Want to Switch…

As we mentioned, there are plenty of operators to choose from on the UK market. And that means that there’s lots of competition to get new customers to sign contracts. Mobile operators are constantly offering new deals, lower prices, special offers and even free gifts to new customers that sign up for service. But those operators also count on the fact that once you’re a customer you’re going to stick around, either out of habit or because you think that switching operators is to tricky.

This means that many of the best deals are reserved for new customers. It’s not unusual that a second contract with a mobile operator will cost you more than your first contract did, because you’ve lost your new customer status. Switching mobile operators will allow you to take advantage of new customer deals, maybe get lower prices, or get better services. It’s worthwhile considering switching, because despite what you may think it’s not actually that difficult.

How to Switch Networks…

The process of switching is incredibly easy. You do need to choose a new operator before you start the process though, since this will make the process faster. If you don’t want to be without service for more than a couple of hours, you’re going to need to know who your new contract will be with. Firstly, you’ll need to call the customer service line of your current operator and ask them to cancel your service, also ask them to inform you of the date that service will end.

It may take a business day or two to finish the service, and you want to know exactly how long you’ll be paying for with your old operator. Once you’re done, go to your new operator and sign a contract. You’ll get a new SIM card, so put it in your phone, and you should have your new service within a couple of hours: That’s it.

Your Pac Code and Keeping Your Number…

You can even keep your current phone number when you switch operators nowadays, so there’s no reason that you have to go through the hassle of telling all your contacts your new digits. It’s a little more complicated than just switching networks though. You will need to call your current operator’s customer service line before you cancel service and request your pac code. This is the number that identifies you and your phone number. The operator is required to give you your code for free and within a couple of days.

Once you’ve requested your pac you can cancel service, but it might be best to wait until you actually have the number before cancelling, just in case there’s a problem. Once you have your pac and your old service is cancelled, you go to your new operator. Tell them that you want to keep your number, and give them your pac when you sign your new contract. The new operator will then make sure that you get your original phone number.

It may take a little longer to get your new service with your old number, but most operators will do it by the next business day. One thing to be aware of though is that your pac has a thirty day validity period. After thirty days the pac will no longer work and you’ll have to go back to your original operator and request a new one. If you have already cancelled service, this is going to be a problem. Make sure you accomplish the service switch with the thirty day validity period of your pac.

Switching During a Current Contract…

You can still switch operators even if your current contract has not ended, though you might not necessarily want to. Mobile contracts generally contain non completion clauses that allow the operator to penalise you for not finishing the contract. This is to compensate the operator for loss of business. Most operators charge a fixed fee that is multiplied by the number of months that are remaining in the contract when you cancel it. The fixed fee varies by operator.

If you signed an incentive contract with a new phone attached, you’ll also be liable for paying whatever the remaining balance on the phone is. This can make cancelling a current contract to switch operators expensive, depending on how much time is left in your contract and what the fixed fee is with your company. You’re going to need to find out how much you’ll have to pay to cancel your contract and compare that to the savings that you’ll get with your new operator to see whether it’s worth it or not.

You can find lists of cancellation terms and fees on the web site of your current operator, and you should be able to find out the remaining balance on a phone that you were given on your online account, or call customer service. There are circumstances under which you can cancel a contract for free. These include moving to an area without service with the operator, if the operator tries to raise prices, or if the service was not what you were promised. But getting free cancellation is a lengthy process, and you really shouldn’t count on it.

Sam Jones knew it was important to get his to get a PAC code. For information on how to do this he turned to sites such as uSwitch where the process was explained clearly.

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