Mobile Phones | Read Time: 2 mins.
Under new Ofcom rules, UK mobile customers can now transfer to another provider and/or network by sending a simple free text message.
Previously, changing your business mobile deals could be a painful process. It involved contacting the losing provider/network to request a PAC (porting authorisation code).
More often than not, you would then be put through to a customer retention team who would try and persuade you to stay.
This all made the process of changing provider far slower and more painful than it should be.
Ofcom’s new process makes it a lot easier to switch networks and limits the amount of contact you need with the losing provider.
This is how the ‘text-to-switch’ service works:
- Text ‘PAC’ to 65075
- The network sends the PAC through (valid for 30 days), along with important information like early termination charges
- Give the PAC to your new provider
- The service is switched within one working day. No notice period charges apply.
Ofcom has also launched two other text services:
To switch and get a new mobile number – text ‘STAC’ to 75075
Around one in six people do not want to keep their mobile number when they switch. To switch and get a new number, text ‘STAC’ to 75075 and this will request a ‘Service Termination Authorisation Code’.
The rest of the process is the same as the PAC process and takes away the hassle of talking to your current provider if you want to leave them.
To find out more – text ‘INFO’ to 85075
If you are unsure if you are still in contract and if you would have to pay charges to end your contract early, you can text ‘INFO’ to 85075 to find this information out without requesting a switching code.
Ofcom has also banned mobile providers from charging for notice periods that run after the switching date, which will save UK mobile customers a combined £10m each year.
You will need to give your new provider the PAC or STAC number, so your old and new providers can make sure there is no double payment.
Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom’s Consumer Group Director, said:
“Breaking up with your mobile provider has never been easier thanks to Ofcom’s new rules. You won’t need to have that awkward chat with your current provider to take advantage of the great deals available”.
