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 * How to change mobile providers and keep your phone number**

Switch to a new network and take your existing number

Switching to a new provider is not a hassle at all in point of fact it is quite easy as shown below.

Plus, as long as you're not still locked into a contract, it's free.

First, choose a new contract or pay-as-you-go (PAYG) deal. This could include both a phone and SIM, or just the SIM if you want to keep your existing handset. It does not matter if you are moving from a contract to PAYG, or even the other way around, as the process for taking your number is exactly the same.

Bear in mind that the new SIM will have a new number, but your old number will replace it when the transfer takes place. Remember to tell your current supplier WHY because they may offer you a better deal in order to keep you

If you are coming to the end of a contract, check the small print to find out how much notice you need to give to leave the network. Even after the contract finishes, you may still have to give one month's notice that you are cancelling.


 * Getting the PAC **

The next step is to phone your current mobile provider to request a port authorisation code (PAC). Mobile operators are legally obliged to provide the code within two hours, but you will typically be given the ‘customer retention' treatment with offers to persuade you to stay with the network.

You may well end up with a better offer than the new package which you have chosen, in which case you will not need to transfer your number. It does not matter if there is no offer or the new deal cannot be beaten as you can simply ask to be given your PAC.

Have a pen and paper handy in case the number is given to you over the phone, but most networks will send it to you in a text message. Some may post it to you, so bear this in mind if you are in a hurry. The code should be in the format ABC123456 and is valid for 30 days.

Once you have a PAC, if you wish you can give it to a friend or family member so they can have your old number. It is not tied to a particular person or address.

Now is the time to order your new phone or SIM. Depending on where you buy it from, you may be able to enter the PAC (or say that you will be keeping an existing number) as part of the sign-up process.

Back up your contacts

You can continue to use your old SIM until the day of the transfer, but make sure you back up any contacts and text messages that are stored on the SIM otherwise you will lose them. If you cannot export the contacts from your phone to your computer using the phone manufacturer's software you might have to write them down by hand.

It is worth paying a visit to the old or new mobile operator's store as they can usually copy the contacts and SMS messages for you.

Once the number transfer happens, the old SIM is deactivated and will not work in any phone. Similarly, make sure you use up any remaining credit or you will lose that too.

On the day

If you can, choose a day for the transfer when you do not need to rely on your phone. This is because there could be a gap in service between the time the old SIM is switched off and the number is activated on the new one.

Of course, you can start using your new SIM when it arrives, and tell people it is a temporary number but this may stop working several hours before your old number is transferred to it.

It should never take more than 24 hours for the transfer to complete: it can be over in as little as a few minutes. Typically, you will be without service for an hour or so.

Here are the numbers to call from your mobile to get a PAC from each of the five main networks:

Three: 333 O2 – Pay Monthly: 202 O2 – Pay And Go: 4445 Orange – Pay Monthly: 150 Orange – Pay As You Go: 450 T-Mobile: 150 Vodafone: 191