Can I transfer my mobile number to the same network? According to many if not all operators “– you can port your number within the same network”. Can’t we really?
What do we do when our contract is about to end or we want to switch from a “pay-as-you-go” to a monthly plan?
There is a way to keep your number so stay with us throughout the guide!
To transfer your mobile number on the same network, you need to cancel your contract with the current operator and subscribe to another via a PAC code.
This might sound a bit complicated, so keep reading to answer all arising questions!
Transfer Number to the Same Network?
If you’re here, then you’ve probably realized that it’s not quite possible to transfer your number on the same network by signing a different contract.
The way people keep their numbers for so long is because they stay on their existing contract and only re-sign (digitally) every 4 years.
The Problem?
We would need to transfer our number to the same network when we want to switch from a “pay-as-you-go” to a monthly plan or simply take advantage of another deal.
Well, what users don’t usually know is that the best deals are always for new customers.
Besides, if you already contracted with your supplier a deal, which does not suit you, there is no way to keep the mobile number, except if we transfer it to another operator.
Info: It’s important to know that all operators have different “porting” policies, hence some terms and conditions may vary.
The Solution?
The ultimate goal is to keep the number by canceling our contract with the current provider and migrating to another operator.
The second operator can and will save the mobile number via the PAC code (provided by the old contractor).
- The contract with the new operator shouldn’t be monthly, should be PAYG
The PAYG (pay-as-you-go) contract does not obligate the user to use the services for years), instead, you can cancel anytime and select a deal from your previous (old) operator.
This way, the previous operator would now be able to “port” your number with a “new user deal”.
Tip: The best (temporary) contractors to use for a new PAYG SIM are GiffGaff or Three!
How to Transfer a Mobile Number to the Same Network?
Even if you now know how “number porting” to the same network works, it’s important to follow the steps below.
Missing an essential step might lead to losing your mobile number irreversibly.
Step #1 Acquire the “PAC” Code!
The PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) allows users to transfer (port) their mobile numbers from one network to another.
You can’t use the PAC code to port your number from one contract to another on the4 same operator but as we’ve discussed above we do something different now.
- The PAC code can be acquired BEFORE the cancellation of the contract!
There are two ways of acquiring the PAC code – via texting “PAC” to 65075 or through the online account of your operator’s website.
The PAC code would be available upon signing into your account under a menu or option called “transfer number” or “change network”.
Note: The PAC code is acquired instantly!
Step #2 Cancel the Current Contract
Now when you have your PAC code, you can cancel the current contract with the operator, which should be free if it’s expired.
However, early cancellation with a monthly contract usually involves a “fee” for voiding the agreement so based on your situation, act accordingly.
Info: You should also know that if your contract is truly expired, you don’t even need to cancel anything.
Instead, it would be automatic, upon using the PAC code with another operator.
Step #3 Subscribe for a PAYG SIM
The PAYG “pay-as-you-go” does not engage the user with a contract, hence can be canceled anytime.
This makes such SIM offers perfect since they work by saving your number using the provided PAC code from the previous provider.
There are operators that provide PAYG SIM cards, and here are some of them:
- GiffGaff
- AT&T
- Three
Note: These PAYG plans are quick and your SIM should arrive in just a few days!
Step #4 Transfer Number to PAYG SIM
When your new PAYG SIM arrives, you need to port your old number using the PAC code and this is an easy task.
You’ll need a device connected to the internet with an online browser!
- Go to the online account of your new operator.
- Find a page or link that says, “Port Number” or “Use PAC”.
- Follow the prompts to inbring the existing number.
Once the PAC code has been used, you will have your number transferred to the PAYG SIM and you’re ready to port your number back to the old operator.
Step #5 Port the Number to Old Operator
Now when you’re completely disconnected from the old operator and you still have your number via the PAYG SIM that you’ve acquired, we can select a new deal.
As we’ve mentioned earlier the best operator deals are for new clients so select something as per your preferences.
To achieve this you need to, basically, reverse the process, and once again acquire the PAC code from the PAYG provider.
Then use that PAC code to subscribe to the old operator with a new contract and new offer, and finally, inbring the old number into the new contract.
Note: The PAYG SIM might need a few days (sometimes a week), in order to be canceled by acquiring the PAC code, so it depends on the provider.
Issues and Porting Issues & Penalties!
Now that we know can I transfer my mobile number to the same network, let’s review some of the issues that you might encounter.
Can’t Receive my PAC Code?
You can only receive your PAC code via text message “PAC” to 65075 on the mobile device with the SIM card from the provider, inserted.
In addition, if you’re using an operator mobile app, your smartphone has to be connected to the cellular network (4G, 5G) and not to the WiFi.
Note: The PAC is valid for 30 days after the code has been requested!
Do I Need to Pay a Contract Fee?
When you’ve contracted with an operator for a PAYG (pay-as-you-go), there are no cancellation fees and you would only need to pay whatever you’ve used.
As far as the yearly contracts, yes, you would need to pay an early cancellation fee for voiding the contract’s agreements.
How Long Do I Need to Wait?
The only wait time in the entire process is related to the arrival time of your PAYG SIM card since yearly contract cancellation and receiving your PAC happens instantly.
The only downtime you might have is when attempting to port the number from your PAYG SIM to the new contract.
Transfer Phone Number to Another Phone Same Network?
It’s probably wide-known that there shouldn’t be any issues when transferring a SIM card from one operator to a new phone.
However, there are two exceptions that might impact the transfer of your number so let’s take a closer look.
✅ First, you need to ensure that your contacts are transferred to the SIM card on your old device, and only then transfer the SIM to the new phone.
✅ Secondly, you need to make sure that the new phone is unlocked to your operators since sometimes, they can’t work with a SIm from a different provider.
Info: Hence, your mobile number is bound within the SIM card, so if you’re not switching SIM cards (contracts or plans), your mobile number will persist.
In other words, the new phone does not really matter and impacts your number in any way.
Can I Switch my Number to Another Phone?
Well, whether your SIM card (containing your number) would be accepted by the new phone is the only limitation and a matter of concern.
The most important thing to know is that when you acquire a new phone by signing a yearly contract with an operator the device would be locked.
Operator-Locked Phones?
Yes, devices provided for free or on a credit from operators are usually locked for as long as the contract lasts.
This means that you cannot use SIM cards from other operators in this device, hence it would be impossible to switch your number to a phone locked to another network.
Quick Recap:
Now we know if you can transfer mobile number to the same network, and we’ve learned that the only possible way is by switching to a temporary PAYG SIM.
This way using the PAC code we can keep our mobile number after the cancellation and then contract again!
Read Next: iD Mobile Number Transfer – Complete Guide
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.