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Avoid this common mistake when switching mobile providers

Created at 1 Jun · 7:42 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Switching mobile providers can save hundreds of pounds annually, but a common mistake can lead to a loss of connectivity. To avoid this, initiate the switch early in the week and do not change SIM cards until the old one stops working. This ensures a smooth transition and continued service.

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Key Numbers

79%of recent mobile network switchers found the process easy
1,030people surveyed who switched mobile networks in the past year
30 daysduration for a PAC code to be valid
£16average monthly cost for a SIM-only contract with big networks
£9average monthly cost for a SIM-only contract with smaller networks
£40average monthly cost for contracts with a phone from big networks
£28average monthly cost for contracts with a phone from smaller networks
10 minutestime taken to arrange a new SIM-only deal with Smarty
50GBdata included in a Smarty SIM-only deal
£8monthly cost for a Smarty SIM-only deal
£200annual savings from switching mobile providers

Who's Involved

Jackie Gallego
Which? Home Editor who saved hundreds by switching providers
Paul Lester
Which? tech editor who advised Jackie Gallego to switch

↳ Why This Matters

Switching mobile providers can be a straightforward way to save money, especially when coming off an expensive contract. However, understanding the process and avoiding common pitfalls is crucial to ensure a seamless transition and continued mobile service. The article highlights a specific mistake that can lead to a temporary loss of connectivity.

Key facts

  • Switching mobile providers can result in significant annual savings.
  • A common mistake is changing SIM cards too early during the switching process, potentially causing a loss of service.
  • To avoid connectivity issues, initiate the switch early in the week (Monday-Wednesday).
  • Do not swap SIM cards until the old one stops working, indicating the number porting is complete.
  • Customers can keep their existing mobile number by texting PAC to 65075.
  • Smaller providers often offer cheaper deals than major networks.

Switching mobile providers can be a straightforward way to save money, especially when coming off an expensive contract. However, understanding the process and avoiding common pitfalls is crucial to ensure a seamless transition and continued mobile service. The article highlights a specific mistake that can lead to a temporary loss of connectivity.

Frequently asked questions

A PAC (porting authorisation code) allows you to keep your mobile number when switching providers. You can obtain it by texting PAC to 65075. The code is valid for 30 days.

The biggest mistake is changing your SIM card too early in the process, which can lead to a period without mobile service (calls, texts, or data) while your number is ported.

It is best to initiate the switch on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday. This is because the switch typically completes the next working day, avoiding potential delays if initiated over a weekend.

Yes, you can keep your existing mobile number. You need to request a PAC code from your current provider by texting PAC to 65075 and provide this to your new provider.

What Happens Next

01Initiate mobile provider switch early in the week (Monday-Wednesday).
02Do not change SIM cards until the old SIM stops working.
03Check for signal bars and 4G/5G icon on the new SIM.
04Restart the phone after inserting the new SIM.

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How It Developed

31 May · 11:01 PM
Switching mobile providers is easy, but avoid losing service by initiating the switch with your new provider first.
Which? via PiQSuite

Sources

T1
Switching mobile provider? Here's one big mistake to avoidm.piqsuite.com

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