Changing Mobile Provider and Keeping Number?

Sllighly off topic but how easy is it to change PAYG mobile phone provider nowadays?

Do you need to know your sim card number or is everything now done just via the actual mobile phone number?

I realise I would lose any credit with my old provider but what order do I do things?

Can it go wrong - these are very old numbers - used to be Orange now some are with EE and Three?

The number is obviously tied to online banking so losing access to the number would be an absolute nightmare!

Thanks

Edited by think26872 (Mon 21-Jun-21 11:29:58)

Check for your provider (there should be info on this on their website) but I believe these days you can request a PAC via a text message and then use the PAC on the new provider. I assume it is the same on PAYG as it is on contract.

Just text PAC to 65075 (Free)
Works with all uk providers. You will get a text back instantly with your PAC code to give to your new provider. Valid for 30 days. If you dont use the pac code within that time your number will just continue with your original provider as if you never requested it at all.

New provider will probably want the serial number from the new sim card and its temporary number. Your old number will transfer over to new network 24 hours after request weekdays only.

Edited by KINGMUZZAUK (Mon 21-Jun-21 15:16:35)

Very easy to do, should happen rather quickly. Contract/PAYG make no diffrance, you just need PAC from previous provider and supply that to your new provider. It should cost you nothing/free.

There also STAC but done need that one.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-interne...

Edited by amiga_dude (Mon 21-Jun-21 19:59:49)

You will of course lose any credit on the SIM when it does port.

Suggest you 'dump' the credit to a charity etc before the port happens

Edited by broadbandjockey (Tue 22-Jun-21 13:08:34)