Mobile Number Portability
Transferring your number
MNP process, in brief:- Request a PAC number from your existing network customer services
- Order your phone online with The 3G Shop
- Contact the customer service dept of your new network when you receive your new phone, and give them your PAC number
What is MNP?
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is the industry agreed process by which a customer can switch from one network operator to another and take their existing mobile number with them, for example from Orange to 3.
Starting the process
Contact your current Service Provider (the company your contract is with) and ask for a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC).
The PAC number is your authority to request a transfer and will allow the Network you wish to move to, to request your number be transferred to them.
Your current Service Provider can only refuse to issue a PAC for the following two reasons:
- your number is disconnected - i.e. you must not cancel your existing contract before requesting a PAC number
- you have not yet fulfilled your obligations under your existing minimum term contract
Your PAC number is only valid for 30 calendar days; your request must be submitted to the new network within that period.
What do I need to do next?
Porting
For all networks you are connecting to, it is possible to port your number after connection. When your new handset arrives it will make and receive calls with a temporary number. Simply call the new network customer services and pass them the PAC number you have. The network will arrange port dates with your old network, and on the agreed date your number will be moved across to the new handset.
Important information
The following points should be read carefully as they may apply to your circumstances:
- If you are transferring a pay as you go number, any credits with your current network will not be transferred to the new network
- A request from the new network to transfer your number represents a notice to terminate your existing subscription with your current network
- The issuing of a PAC number against a mobile number will revoke any previous disconnection request
- Service charges and any associated subscription charges will continue if no transfer request is received by your current network, even if you've previously given notice
- You can not port your number to your existing network. If you wish to keep your number and stay on your current network you need to follow the upgrade procedure
