Switching your mobile services

You can switch both your handset and your network operator, in other words, everything. Switching is free but if you’re still in a pay monthly contract, you will have to pay your current operator the amount that you would have paid for the remainder of the contract e.g. line rental and any other fixed charges.

Switching network operators

Switching your network operator doesn’t mean you have to change your number.

• It doesn’t cost anything to transfer (port) your number to a different network operator although a very small number of operators may charge for transferring out – check with your current network operator
• You need to get a PAC (Port Authorisation Code) from your existing operator which you then give to your intended new operator
• PACs are issued within two working days of request and are only valid for 30 days, so be sure to make the switch in this time
• It usually takes about a week for your new number to be up and running
• If you owe money on a pay monthly contract, you won’t be given a PAC until you’ve paid what you owe
• If your phone has been disconnected you won’t be able to transfer your number unless you get it reconnected first

Switching Virtual Network Operators (VNOs)

If you are with a VNO (e.g. Virgin, easyMobile) and you wish to switch, you may not be able to take your number if you’re switching to a different tariff within the same overall network – check before you switch.

Pay monthly contracts

Switch to a new network operator and get yourself a nice new phone with that pin-sharp camera resolution you’ve been hankering after or the latest 3G technology.

See what you can get for free! All network operators have a range of phones that they offer for free when customers take out a pay monthly contract (usually a minimum of 12 months) and many offer the latest models from all the most popular manufacturers.

Phones on pay monthly contracts are heavily subsidised so even if the phone you want isn’t free, chances are you’ll be able to pick it up for a great price, far less than the actual cost of the phone.

If you have a specific model in mind, we can show you the best available deals that offer that particular phone. We will also let you know whether you can have it for free or if not, just how much it will cost.

Pay as you go

Free phones are practically unheard of for pay as you go customers so the cost of upgrading can be very expensive, as you will have to buy your phone outright. Mobiles do vary widely in cost though so you can have a pay as you go tariff without the initial lay out costing you the earth. Let uSwitch.com find the best phone to suit your budget.

Do your bit for the environment and recycle! There are many ways you can do this and even raise money for charities. Find out more about recycling your phone and see how it’s not only good for the environment, it’s good for you too!