Switching cell networks or SIM playing cards could be a problem, however retaining your current telephone quantity makes the transition smoother.
Retaining your quantity isn’t solely handy however usually important for staying in contact with family and friends and sustaining work contacts.
Thankfully, each the US and the UK cell networks have established processes that will help you preserve your telephone quantity when going for top-of-the-line SIM-only offers.
Right here’s a step-by-step information on how one can do it.
Find out how to preserve your telephone quantity within the UK
By way of textual content
Within the UK, the method of retaining your telephone quantity is simple, because of the Porting Authorisation Code (PAC) system. Right here’s the way it works:
- To get your PAC code through SMS, textual content “PAC” to 65075. Suppliers are legally obligated to supply a PAC code instantly through SMS or inside two hours should you request it on-line or over the telephone.
- When you’ve obtained your PAC code (legitimate for 30 days), give it to your new community supplier. Most suppliers assist you to submit the PAC code on-line or by way of their customer support.
The porting course of often takes one working day. Chances are you’ll expertise a quick service disruption whereas the quantity is being transferred.
Remember that your previous contract will mechanically terminate when the porting course of is full. Guarantee there are not any excellent payments along with your present supplier to keep away from delays.
By way of name
If, for no matter purpose, you don’t need to use the streamlined textual content service, you may also telephone your present UK community supplier. Be sure you do that earlier than disconnecting your present SIM card otherwise you’ll be caught with a brand new quantity.
Listed below are the customer support numbers for main UK suppliers:
- EE: 150 out of your EE handset or 07953 966250
- O2: 202 out of your O2 handset or 0344 8090202
- Three: 333 out of your Three handset or 0333 3381001
- Vodafone: 191 out of your Vodafone handset or 0333 3040191
- Tesco Cellular: 4422 out of your Tesco Cellular handset or 0800 0304422
- Virgin Cellular: 789 out of your Virgin Cellular handset or 0345 6000789
- GiffGaff: 0843 9020762
Find out how to preserve your telephone quantity within the US
By way of textual content
Within the US, the quantity porting course of is overseen by the Federal Communications Fee (FCC), which ensures your proper to retain your telephone quantity when switching carriers. Right here’s what you’ll want to do:
- Guarantee your quantity is eligible for porting. Most numbers might be transferred except they’re tied to sure pay as you go plans or particular geographic restrictions.
- Inform your new service that you simply need to port your quantity. They may request particulars corresponding to your present account quantity, PIN or password to your account and billing handle on file along with your present supplier.
- Make sure to not cancel your previous service earlier than the porting course of is full, as this will likely end in dropping your quantity.
Within the US, the porting course of can take a couple of minutes to a couple days, relying on the kind of quantity and supplier. Cellular numbers usually switch quicker than landlines.
Pay as you go prospects may have to make use of up any remaining steadiness, as refunds are often not issued. Your previous service might be cancelled mechanically as soon as the porting is full.
By way of name
If you happen to want help or choose chatting with somebody, you’ll be able to contact your present US service instantly as effectively. They may present the mandatory account particulars for porting.
Listed below are the customer support numbers for main US suppliers:
- AT&T: 1-800-331-0500
- Verizon: 1-800-922-0204
- T-Cellular: 1-877-746-0909
- Metro by T-Cellular: 1-888-863-8768
- Dash (now T-Cellular): 1-888-211-4727
- Enhance Cellular: 1-866-402-7366
Find out how to get a brand new quantity as an alternative
Within the UK, if you would like a brand new quantity, textual content “STAC” to 75075 to obtain a Service Termination Authorisation Code. You’ll then obtain a affirmation message from the supplier, together with any related details about early-termination charges or excellent balances.
This primarily terminates your contract, permitting you to maneuver to a brand new provider with out ever speaking to a customer support helpline.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Within the US, nonetheless, there isn’t a centralised textual content service to acquire an authorisation code. Every supplier has their very own procedures, so that you’ll have to contact them instantly.
Will switching suppliers value me?
Switching suppliers could incur prices should you’re nonetheless below contract or paying off a telephone. Most contracts final 24 months, particularly if a telephone was included within the deal. In case your contract is full, there ought to be no early termination charges.
If you happen to’re not sure about your contract standing or remaining costs, contact your present supplier. Many carriers additionally assist you to test your contract or machine payoff standing by way of their cell apps or customer support.
If you happen to’re not sure whether or not your contract has completed or not, Ofcom offers a free checking service within the UK. Textual content “INFO” to 85075 and also you’ll be notified of the present standing of your contract and any costs that is likely to be due.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
There you may have it. A fast and simple strategy to change between cell suppliers.
After all, should you’re considering of leaving you then’ll need to know what affords are round. So, be sure you learn our roundups of the very best telephone networks and greatest telephone offers.