Switching mobile provider
Switching mobile provider has become much easier over the years. In most cases, you hardly need to have personal contact with your old provider; it may be sufficient to request a code, inform the new provider that you wish to become their customer, and they will terminate your old contract and handle the switching process. But keep in mind that the process can vary depending on which provider you use (and are switching to), the terms of your active contract, and whether you want to keep your number or not. On this page, we explain what switching between providers can involve and offer advice on the various steps.
How to switch provider
- Find out if you’re still under contract via the provider’s website or app, or by sending the message INFO to number 85075. If your contract is active, you can either wait until it expires or pay an early termination fee to end the contract early (more on this further down the page).
- If you have no contract remaining, you will still need to terminate your existing subscription at least 30 days (the notice period) before the switch.
- Find another provider that suits you better and decide whether to choose a SIM only plan or a pay as you go SIM.
- Decide whether to keep your existing number or get a new one.
- Ask your existing provider for a PAC or STAC code depending on what you choose in the step above (we’ll explain more about PAC and STAC a bit further down).
- You will then need to provide the code when you contact the new provider or fill in an order/application to become a customer on the provider’s website.
The exact process of switching can vary slightly between different providers, but you should find all the necessary information on the provider’s website. As you can see from the bullet points above, the approach also varies depending on whether you want to keep your existing number or get a new one.
If you want to keep your existing number
If you want to transfer your existing number to the new provider, you will need a Port Authorisation Code (PAC) from your previous provider. To receive the code, send a message with the text PAC to number 65075. When you contact the new provider or when ordering the new subscription, you send the code, and the provider will initiate the switch.
If you’re unsure how to proceed or encounter any issues along the way, you can always contact your new provider for guidance.
Please Note! You must use the PAC code within 30 days. After 30 days, the code becomes invalid and you will need to request a new one.
If you do not wish to keep your existing number
If you do not wish to keep your old number when switching, you need to ask your previous provider for a Service Termination Authorisation Code (STAC) which allows you to switch to a new provider and start with a new number. Through the code, your new provider is also authorised to terminate your account with the previous provider.
Contact the provider you wish to switch to and inform them that you will not be transferring your old number, but that you would like a new one. Then inform your old provider that you wish to terminate the contract with them. The best approach is to align the end of your old contract with the start of your new one to avoid paying for two subscriptions simultaneously.
Do I need to unlock my mobile if I switch provider?
If you switch from one provider to another and intend to use the same mobile (which you used on the previous network), you may need to ask your old provider for a Network Unlock Code (NUC) to unlock the mobile before you can start using it on the new network. Since December 2021, providers are prohibited from selling locked phones, so this only applies to older mobiles purchased before this date.
Can you switch to another provider during the contract?
No, if you have a contract remaining on your subscription with your current provider, you must wait until the contract expires before you can terminate the agreement and switch to another provider. But if you are willing to pay, you can terminate the agreement during the contract. You then request an early termination fee from your current provider, and once you have paid it, you are free to switch to another provider.
If you have purchased a mobile phone along with the contract, you should bear in mind that the phone may remain the provider’s property until you have paid a set sum or number of monthly fees. With Vodafone, for example, the phone becomes yours only after you have paid the first six bills.
How much will you pay for an early termination fee?
The early termination fee should correspond to the remaining monthly payments, but many providers deduct a certain percentage from the total amount. With EE, for example, you pay an amount equivalent to 96 per cent of the remaining monthly charges. With Three, you pay 97 percent, or 90 percent if you have previously upgraded or renewed an existing contract.
Vodafone consolidates all remaining monthly payments (including any discounts). To arrive at the final amount, they deduct 2 percent for “early receipt of payment” because they receive the payment as a lump sum rather than spread over several months. Previously, Vodafone deducted VAT based on the current rate, but contracts signed after 24 February 2021 are exempt from this rule due to changes at HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs).
In summary, the early termination fee is calculated slightly differently by various providers, so it’s best to check with your provider to understand what applies specifically to them and your particular contract.
Which provider should I switch to?
Which provider you should switch to largely depends on the reason(s) you are leaving your current provider. You don’t need to be dissatisfied with anything specific to want to switch, but it is a good idea to assess your current contract before changing. If, for example, you would like a wider range of services and devices, this should be your primary focus when comparing other providers’ offers. Or, if you’ve realised that you don’t need all the benefits and extras your current provider offers, you should look for a provider that has simpler and lower cost SIM only or pay as you go SIM.
If you are dissatisfied with the current network’s performance, network coverage, or speeds, you should switch to a provider that uses a different network and offers better network coverage where you live. EE, Three, Vodafone and O2 (the four largest providers) have their own networks, while the smaller providers share networks with one of the larger ones.
Providers sharing networks
- EE: Utility Warehouse, 1pMobile, Lycamobile, Your Co-op, Ecotalk, IQ Mobile, RWG Mobile
- Three: iD Mobile, Smarty, FreedomPop, Honest Mobile, Superdrug Mobile
- Vodafone: Voxi, Asda Mobile, Lebara Mobile, Talkmobile
- O2: Giffgaff, Sky Mobile, Tesco Mobile
Something to keep in mind is that Three and Vodafone will merge in the first half of 2025, forming a joint network that will become the largest in the UK.
