Ofcom's advice on your next step

Mobile Phones -
Advice on switching your mobile phone supplier

Taking your mobile phone number with you if you switch to another network is known as mobile number portability. You will need to ask your existing mobile company for a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) before you cancel the service. The PAC enables you to transfer your number to another network.

To take your number with you when you change companies, make sure you do the following:

1. Contact the customer services staff at your current mobile phone company and tell them you want to leave for another company.
2. Tell the customer services staff that you want to take your mobile number with you. Then ask them for a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC). This is a reference number which you will need to quote when moving your mobile number from one company to another.
3. Tell your new mobile phone company that you want to use your existing mobile number, then give your new company your Porting Authorisation Code (PAC).

Some mobile phone companies may charge a fee to move your number.

Please remember that if you are still under contract to your old company, you may still be liable for payments under that contract.

If you are experiencing problems taking your number with you to another network, please see http://www.ofcom.org.uk/complain/mobile/company/porting/

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