It’s a big question, how to switch mobile providers. It can seem quite daunting; you conjure images of hassling sales teams trying to convince you not to leave. In reality, changing over is as easy as sending a text and letting us do the work for you.
So, if you are unhappy with your provider and are thinking about switching but are unsure how to go about it, here’s our four-step guide on how to switch mobile providers with Reward Mobile.
Step One: PAC Codes or STAC Codes
This is the most important step and it depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to keep your number and change network, then you’ll need a Porting Authorisation Code or PAC code.
As long as you are in the last 30 days of your contract with your current provider, you can request your PAC. To get this code simply text 65075 with the word PAC and your PAC code will be provided. This number is used by all UK providers to make switching simpler.
Your provider may ask you to include your date of birth in this text, so it’s worth double checking on their site before sending the text.
A PAC code only lasts 30 days, so after it expires, you’ll have to request another one. We can’t check when your PAC code was generated, but your previous provider can. Get in touch with them if you need to jog your memory.
If you’re not too fussy about keeping your number, then you can switch by requesting a service termination authorisation code or STAC code. This will terminate your contract and your number once you’ve activated a new contract. To get this code text ‘STAC’ to 75075. You will then receive your STAC code. You will also receive information about any early termination charges, outstanding handset costs, or pay-as-you-go credit balances on your current account.
This code is valid for 30 days, so you’ve got plenty of time to mull over your decision. Requesting either of these codes will not automatically terminate your contract.
Step Two: Contact Us
Once you’ve got the code you want, simply pick out a phone or a SIM only deal you like. Once you’ve found the perfect deal for you, click ‘buy now’ after which you will be prompted to enter a PAC or STAC code. Just pop in the code here and we’ll take it from there.
Step Three: Credit Checks
Once this is completed and you have entered your details, we will perform a credit check to see if you are eligible for a contract with us. If this is successful, a new SIM card will be sent out to you. This will be included with your phone if you have bought a device with us. If you have chosen SIM only deal, you will be sent a new SIM card.
Step Four: Transferring Your Number, with a PAC code
Once you’ve given us your PAC code, you can continue using your phone as normal, although you might notice a small lapse in service during the transition period if you’re bringing your number with you. Your previous provider will cancel your service within 24 hours, so if you’re not bringing your number with you, that’s when that number will stop working.
We’ll aim to handle this on the next working day unless you let us know otherwise.
We’ll process your request on the next working day, provided we get it by 5pm. If you request after 5pm, or on a weekend or bank holiday, it’ll take two working days to process the request.
You can also delay your number switch if you need to. You can let us know a preferred date, within 30 days of your PAC code expiring. Bank holidays will act as weekends do, so our system will use the next available day instead. And that’s it. It’s that easy.
If you’re using a STAC code activating your new SIM will terminate your old contract.
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