How to switch mobile network
It’s as easy as sending a text message.
7 October 2019
A lot of us don’t want to think about switching our mobile network. It sounds daunting, with a whole range of suppliers and tariffs to navigate, confusing extras, not to mention different ways of paying for it, including pay-as-you-go, contract and SIM-only.
Many of us see all of this and run a mile. As long as your current arrangement works, why change it?
Because you could save yourself a fortune.
Lots of people are paying way too much for their mobile network, purely because they haven’t looked at what other deals are available. Shop around, and you could be a lot better off.
The good news is that changing mobile network is now simpler than ever. Thanks to recent changes, it’s now as easy as sending a text message. Here’s how to do it.
Should I switch mobile network?
It really depends. If you’re happy with your current service and don’t think you’re paying too much, then by all means stick with it. But do you know what other offers are available? Lots of people haven’t checked competing mobile networks for months or even years. If that’s you, you could be missing out on some great deals.
What deals are available?
The good news is that there are lots of different types of deals available. While it can be confusing, it does mean that whatever you’re looking for, you should be able to find a good deal to suit you.
The traditional way to buy a phone is on contract. This means paying little or nothing upfront, and paying for the handset along with your monthly allowance of text messages, calls and data in monthly instalments. The advantage is you don’t have to stump up much money in one big chunk. The downside is you will end up paying more over the term of the contract, which can often be as long as three years. Think hard before you buy, as you will be locked in for the contract’s duration.
Pay-as-you-go (abbreviated as PAYG) is another option. With this, you buy batches of minutes, text messages and data which you use as you see fit – they don’t ‘expire’ each month, as with a contract deal. This is a great option if you don’t use your phone much (as there’s no monthly charge – you only pay for what you use), and you don’t want to upgrade your current handset. You also won’t be locked into a contract – you can change network whenever you like. Though some people don’t like the idea of running out of calls, texts or data in an emergency.
The last option is SIM-only. This combines the best of the two above. You pay a monthly fee for a set number of minutes, texts and data, but you don’t get a handset into the deal. This means the monthly payments are much lower than on contract. SIM-only deals are 30-day rolling contracts, which means you can change network with just a month’s notice. You’ll need to provide your own phone, but if you can, you could save a fortune on monthly payments.
What extras do mobile networks offer?
With so much competition around, there’s no shortage of sweeteners on offer to convince you to use certain mobile networks. These include free access to music and film streaming services, discounts and priority tickets to music concerts and days out, as well as money off high street shops.
It’s worth looking at these when choosing a mobile network, as if you get good use out of them they can be a nice little extra. But they shouldn’t be your main consideration – these should be price, coverage and customer service.
What is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO)?
They sound complicated, but really they’re not. They’re just a new breed of mobile network that usually specialise in SIM-only deals. They use the same mobile networks as the big four (O2, EE, Vodafone and Three), so you’ll get the same coverage as if you were on one of these networks. And they’re often – though not always – cheaper.
MVNOs include giffgaff, BT Mobile, Lebara, Sky Mobile, TalkTalk and Virgin Mobile.
How do I switch mobile network?
Switching mobile network is now as simple as sending a text message. Just send your current mobile network the relevant code, and you’ll get a code texted back to you instantly. Send this code to your new mobile network and it’ll do the rest.
You have two options when you’re changing network:
- If you want to keep your current mobile number, text PAC to 65075. Your current network will send you your PAC (porting authorisation code), which you need to keep your current number.
- If you want to take a new number when you switch networks text STAC to 75075. This time you’ll get your STAC (service termination authorisation code), which again, you forward on to your new network.
You don’t have to use either immediately, as both are valid for 30 days. If after 30 days you decide you do want to switch, just repeat the process and you’ll get a new code.
Want to find out whether you’re still in contract, and if you would have to pay a charge to leave your contract early? Text INFO to 85075. The reply will tell you everything you need to know to help you make up your mind.
Then what happens?
You don’t need to explain why you want to switch, and you don’t have to speak to anyone from your current mobile network. Your current mobile network might phone you to try and convince you to stay, but you’re under no obligation to, so don’t feel under any pressure. They might even offer you a new deal that’s cheaper than your current one, or even the new one you’re switching to! It’s up to you how you proceed – feel free to accept their offer if you feel it’s a good one, but you don’t have to. You can also take time to think about it and weigh up your options – again, don’t feel under any pressure to make a decision on the spot.
If you do switch, your new network will take care of everything once they have your code. You should be up and running before you know it.
That’s how easy it is to switch mobile network. Now get switching and save yourself a fortune!
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