Broadband Guide - What you need to know
Ditch your mobile provider by text

Many of us put off switching mobile phone providers due to the inconvenience and frustration of talking to the call centre. With a team of retention specialists, whose job is to make sure you don't switch, it's often frustratingly difficult to just get a PAC (Port Authorisation Code) number and leave.

But, thanks to Ofcom, from July 2019 mobile phone providers in the UK are obliged to offer a new switching service called 'text-to-switch'. It's a process that is incredibly simple and completed within just one working day! It avoids that awkward conversation with customer service. You will still need to speak to your new provider to give them the PAC or STAC codes for the transfer to take place.

If you want to save money and switch your mobile phone provider, but are putting it off due to time or, that dreaded call to the retentions team - now is a great time to send them a free 'bon voyage' text. Just follow the simple 4 steps below.

PAC Code guide

To switch and retain your mobile number just text 'PAC' to 65075

Option one - If you want to switch providers and keep your existing phone number, text ‘PAC’ to 65075 to begin the process. Your current provider will reply by text within a minute. They will send you your PAC, which will be valid for 30 days. Their reply must also include important information about any early termination charges or pay-as-you-go credit balances. You then give the PAC to your new provider and they must arrange for the switch to be completed within one working day.

To switch and ditch your mobile number for a new one text 'STAC' to 75075

Option two - If you don’t wish to keep your current mobile number when you switch to your new provider, just text ‘STAC’ to 75075 to request a STAC (service termination authorisation code). It’s a lot less hassle than talking to your current provider if you simply want to leave them.

To receive your current contract details text 'INFO' to 85075

Option three - Unsure if you’re still in contract with your current mobile provider? Just text ‘INFO’ to 85075 and you will receive a text back in seconds with your remaining contract length and any charges you would need to pay to end your contract early. This is only an information message and will not start the switching process. Customers who have more than one number linked to their mobile account – for example, those with family mobile plans would have to request a PAC code via their provider's website.