How to get a PAC code from Vodafone, O2, 3 or EE?

This blog article will explain how to get a PAC code from Vodafone, O2, 3 or EE. It will also outline the steps you need to take to use this PAC code to get your number transferred to a new phone.  

 

How to get a PAC code from Vodafone?  

To obtain a PAC code from Vodafone, you will need to contact Vodafone customer service and request one. The fastest way to do this is to text ‘PAC’ to 65075. You can also do this by calling 191 from your Vodafone phone, or by calling 03333 040 191 from any other phone. Otherwise, you can visit a Vodafone store and request a PAC code in person. 

 

How to get a PAC code from O2?   

To obtain a PAC code from O2, you will need to contact O2 customer service and request one. The fastest way to do this is to text ‘PAC’ to 65075. You can also do this by calling 202 from your O2 phone, or by calling 0344 8090202 from any other phone. Otherwise, you can visit an O2 store and request a PAC code in person. 

 

How to get a PAC code from 3?   

To obtain a PAC code from 3, you will need to contact 3 customer service and request one. The fastest way to do this is to text ‘PAC’ to 65075. You can also get your PAC code by calling 333 from your 3 phone, or by calling 0333 338 1001 from any other phone. Otherwise, you can visit a 3 store and request a PAC code in person. 

 

How to get a PAC code from EE?   

In order to obtain a PAC code from EE, you will need to contact EE directly and request one. The fastest way to do this is to text ‘PAC’ to 65075. You can also do this by calling 150 from your EE phone, or by calling 07953 966 250 from any other phone. Otherwise, you can visit an EE store and request a PAC code in person. 

 

How to change mobile networks and keep the same number?   

In order to change mobile networks and keep the same number, you will need to request a PAC code from your current mobile network provider and give it to your new network provider. This will allow you to transfer your number to the new network. 

Here is how to obtain a PAC code and switch to a new mobile network: 

  1. Contact your current mobile network provider and request a PAC code. You can do this by calling customer service or by visiting a store in person. You may need to provide some sort of proof of ID to receive your code.  
  2. Once you have obtained your PAC code, contact your new mobile network provider and let them know that you want to switch to their network and keep your current number. Your PAC code is valid for 30 days, so do it within this time period.  
  3. Provide your PAC code to the new network provider. They will use this code to transfer your number from your old network to the new one. 
  4. Follow any additional instructions provided by the new network provider to complete the switch. This may include activating your new SIM card and configuring your phone settings. 

Once the switch is complete, your phone number should remain the same and you will be able to use your phone as normal on the new network. 

 

”How The ability to text-to-switch enables you to get a PAC code in seconds

 

 

How long does the switch take?  

The amount of time it takes to obtain a PAC code can vary depending on the mobile network provider. In most cases, you should be able to obtain a PAC code within a few minutes by the text-to-switch method, calling customer service or by visiting a store in person. Bank holidays or weekends may slightly delay a PAC code transfer. We recommend requesting a PAC code on a working day Monday or early in the week as a result.  

 

What if I don’t want to keep the same number?  

If you change your mind and don’t want to keep your old number, texting ‘STAC’ to 75075 will terminate your contract. This leaves you free to switch to another provider with a new phone number. 

 

Can I transfer a disconnected number?  

You will be unable to port a disconnected number across to your new provider. Make sure you don’t cancel your existing contract if you wish to transfer your number across. 

 

What if I have multiple numbers associated with my account?  

You cannot switch by text message if you have multiple mobile numbers linked to your account (such as with a family package). However, you can still switch by requesting a PAC code over the phone or online. 

 

How to check a contract’s status before switching?   

If you are still contracted with your provider, you can quickly check if you will be charged any early cancellation fees before changing numbers. Text ‘INFO’ to 85075 to understand your existing contract terms without receiving a PAC or STAC code. 

Given how early cancellation fees will generally cost you around 90% of the remaining lifetime value of your contract, make sure you understand your contractual obligations before switching. For example, if you are contracted for another 12 months with an operator and wish to cancel this deal, you may need to pay 11 months’ worth of fees to leave. 

In many cases such as this, it is beneficial not to leave your contract early until the minimum term is up and you can switch without a fine. 

 

What is a PAC code?  

A PAC code is a nine-digit code that is used to transfer a mobile phone number from one network provider to another in the UK. PAC stands for “Porting Authorisation Code.” When you want to switch mobile network providers and keep your current phone number, you will need to request a PAC code from your current provider and give it to your new provider. The new provider will use the PAC code to transfer your number to their network. 

 

Why was text-to-switch introduced?   

Before 2019, the only way to port numbers across mobile networks was over the phone. However, many operators charged old customers for notice periods after the switching date. This effectively led to many people paying for two phone contracts simultaneously, despite only being able to use their new provider’s network. 

In 2017, Ofcom estimated that introducing the text-to-switch system would save consumers in the UK around £10 million a year by stopping this process from happening. It also prevents users from navigating through the often-taxing process of getting in touch with a customer service rep on a working day. 

The system was introduced in 2019, and Ofcom estimates it will cost the industry around £44 million over its first ten years of implementation. 

 

What is Streetwave?  

Before you switch your number between two providers, it is vital to understand whether the coverage you will receive will improve from your new network. At Streetwave we map and benchmark the network coverage and quality of the UK’s mobile networks. You can find out more about us on our homepage.

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