The mobile number porting process in the UK allows customers to switch mobile networks

while keeping their existing phone number. This is done using a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC), which is required to transfer a number from one provider to another. The process is regulated by Ofcom to ensure a smooth transition for consumers.

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How to Port Your Mobile Number in the UK

Step-by-Step Process

1. Request a PAC Code

   • Text PAC to 65075 from your current mobile number.
   • You will receive a PAC code via text within two hours.
   • The PAC code is valid for 30 days.

2. Provide the PAC Code to Your New Network

   • When signing up with a new provider, give them the PAC code.
   • The new provider will handle the transfer process.

3. Number Transfer Process

   • The transfer usually takes one working day.
   • Your old SIM will stop working once the number is moved.
   • Insert your new SIM card to continue using your number.

4. Completion & Final Billing

   • Your old provider will send a final bill, including any outstanding charges.
   • Your new provider confirms that the switch is successful, and your number is now active on their network.

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Short Codes for Requesting a PAC Code from UK Networks

All UK networks use the same short code:

• Text "PAC" to 65075 to request a PAC code.
• Text "STAC" to 75075 if you want to cancel your number instead of porting it.

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Individual Network Porting Processes

Each UK mobile network follows the same Ofcom-regulated process, but some providers offer additional ways to request a PAC code.

EE

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via EE online account or by calling 150 from an EE phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

O2

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via O2 online account or call 202 from an O2 phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Vodafone

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Vodafone online account or call 191 from a Vodafone phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Three

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Three online account or call 333 from a Three phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Virgin Mobile

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Virgin Mobile online account or call 789 from a Virgin Mobile phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Sky Mobile

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Sky Mobile online account or call 0330 041 2523.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Tesco Mobile

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Tesco Mobile online account or call 4455 from a Tesco Mobile phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

iD Mobile

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via iD Mobile online account or call 7777 from an iD Mobile phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Lebara Mobile

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Lebara Mobile online account or call 0207 031 0791.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Lycamobile

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Lycamobile online account or call 322 from a Lycamobile phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

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Important Notes About Porting

• PAC codes expire after 30 days – If you don’t use it within this period, you’ll need to request a new one.
• Switching takes one working day – If you submit your PAC code before 5 PM, your number will be transferred the next working day.
• Final billing – Your old provider will send a final bill, including any outstanding charges or early termination fees.

 

The mobile number porting process in the UK allows customers to switch mobile networks while keeping their existing phone number. This is done using a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC), which is required to transfer a number from one provider to another. The process is regulated by Ofcom to ensure a smooth transition for consumers.

---

How to Port Your Mobile Number in the UK

Step-by-Step Process

1. Request a PAC Code

   • Text PAC to 65075 from your current mobile number.
   • You will receive a PAC code via text within two hours.
   • The PAC code is valid for 30 days.

2. Provide the PAC Code to Your New Network

   • When signing up with a new provider, give them the PAC code.
   • The new provider will handle the transfer process.

3. Number Transfer Process

   • The transfer usually takes one working day.
   • Your old SIM will stop working once the number is moved.
   • Insert your new SIM card to continue using your number.

4. Completion & Final Billing

   • Your old provider will send a final bill, including any outstanding charges.
   • Your new provider confirms that the switch is successful, and your number is now active on their network.

---

Short Codes for Requesting a PAC Code from UK Networks

All UK networks use the same short code:

• Text "PAC" to 65075 to request a PAC code.
• Text "STAC" to 75075 if you want to cancel your number instead of porting it.

---

Individual Network Porting Processes

Each UK mobile network follows the same Ofcom-regulated process, but some providers offer additional ways to request a PAC code.

EE

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via EE online account or by calling 150 from an EE phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

O2

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via O2 online account or call 202 from an O2 phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Vodafone

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Vodafone online account or call 191 from a Vodafone phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Three

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Three online account or call 333 from a Three phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Virgin Mobile

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Virgin Mobile online account or call 789 from a Virgin Mobile phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Sky Mobile

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Sky Mobile online account or call 0330 041 2523.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Tesco Mobile

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Tesco Mobile online account or call 4455 from a Tesco Mobile phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

iD Mobile

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via iD Mobile online account or call 7777 from an iD Mobile phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Lebara Mobile

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Lebara Mobile online account or call 0207 031 0791.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

Lycamobile

• Text "PAC" to 65075 for a PAC code.
• Request via Lycamobile online account or call 322 from a Lycamobile phone.
• PAC codes are sent via text within two hours.

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Important Notes About Porting

• PAC codes expire after 30 days – If you don’t use it within this period, you’ll need to request a new one.
• Switching takes one working day – If you submit your PAC code before 5 PM, your number will be transferred the next working day.
• Final billing – Your old provider will send a final bill, including any outstanding charges or early termination fees.

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If a PAC code is requested while a customer is still in contract, they may be required to pay an early termination fee before switching to a new provider. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what happens in this situation:

Checking Contract Status Before Requesting a PAC Code

• Customers can check their contract status by texting "INFO" to 85075.
• This will provide details on whether they are in or out of contract, and any charges they may need to pay if they leave early.

What Happens If You Request a PAC While Still in Contract?

1. Provider Sends PAC Code
• The provider must send the PAC code within two hours of the request.
• The text reply will include details of any early termination fees that apply.
2. Early Termination Fees
• If the customer is still in contract, they may need to pay an exit fee before switching.
• The fee is usually the remaining monthly payments of the contract.
• Some providers offer discounted exit fees depending on the circumstances.
3. Using the PAC Code
• If the customer uses the PAC code to switch, their contract with the old provider will automatically end once the number is transferred.
• Any outstanding charges will be included in the final bill from the old provider.
4. Not Using the PAC Code

• If the PAC code is not used within 30 days, the contract remains active, and the customer stays with their current provider.
• The PAC code will expire, and the customer will need to request a new one if they still wish to switch.

Avoiding Unexpected Charges

• Customers should check their contract status before requesting a PAC to understand any fees involved.
• Some providers allow customers to negotiate exit fees or offer early upgrade options.
• If switching due to poor service, customers may be able to challenge exit fees based on service quality.

For more details, you can check the official Ofcom guide on mobile switching.