Keeping Your Existing Mobile Number
So you’ve done it. You’ve surfed the web and found the best deal on the mobile phone handset you’ve always wanted, and on a talk plan that suits your individual needs. The next question is ‘can I keep my old mobile phone number?’ In theory – yes. Initially you’ll need to contact the customer service department of your current mobile phone network. They should be able to be able to provide you with a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code). You won’t be able to transfer your mobile phone number to your new network without this code. The PAC is usually dispatched by post and should be with you in two working days. Once your PAC arrives, you have 30 days in which to buy a new mobile phone and allocate your existing mobile phone number to your new mobile network.
Transferring your existing mobile phone number should take no more than 7 working days after placing an order for a new contract with a different mobile phone network, or you can choose an alternative date if that is more convenient, up to 37 days in the future.
Be aware however, that some of the cheaper mobile phone deals online preclude the option of moving your number between networks, and if you want the convenience of keeping your existing number, you may have to shop around. Also, you cannot port your existing number if you wish to sign up for a better deal with your existing mobile phone service provider. In the first instance you’ll be better off contacting your existing mobile service provider directly, to see if you can get an upgrade, or change your existing service plan.
Click here to compare the latest mobile phone deals from leading network providers.