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Common Ground News

Can you keep your number with a sim only deal?

Author

Matthew Cannon

Updated on March 15, 2026

Can you keep your number with a sim only deal?

Yes. To keep your number with a new SIM youwill need to call your current mobile operator and askfor a Porting Authorisation Code (PAC). Use the PAC whenbuying a SIM Only contract, or afterwards by callingyour new provider, to keep your oldnumber.

In this regard, can I keep the same mobile number?

This is called porting your mobile number. Tokeep your mobile number and transfer it to anothernetwork, you need to request what's called a Porting AuthorisationCode (PAC) from your old provider and then let your new providerknow the code. They will then schedule theswitch.

Similarly, how do I keep my number with EE? HOW TO KEEP YOUR MOBILE NUMBER

  1. Text to switch. To switch and keep your mobile number –text 'PAC' to 65075.
  2. Switch to EE and keep your number (port number)
  3. Switch to EE and change phone number.
  4. Activate a replacement EE SIM.
  5. Before your transfer day.
  6. On your transfer day.
  7. After your transfer day.
  8. What is First Network Attach?

Also know, how do I change my SIM card network without changing my number?

Follow below steps to get unique MNP number.

  1. Send "PORT your 10digit mobile number" to 1900.
  2. You will receive a unique code.
  3. Go to the mobile operator to which you want to switch and showthe unique code and get a SIM card.

Does porting your number cancel service?

This is the number one piece of information wegive out: Don't cancel your service until AFTER thenumber has transferred. Once you have cancelled yourservice, you are returning your phone number tothe carrier. You will no longer own that number. You won'tbe able to transfer it.

Does using PAC code cancel contract?

As already said, requesting a PAC does notcancel your contract, USING the PAC andmoving your number to a new provider will cancel yourcontract. Also note that you can not use the PAC withthe same provider.

How can I port my number?

Send the following text message - PORT followedby your 10-digit mobile number to TRAI's centralnumber for mobile number portability - 1900. Example:Send 'PORT 98xxxxxx98' to 1900. You'll receive an SMS backwith a port out code which will remain valid for only 15days.

How long does it take to port a mobile number?

There are a few things that have to happen to move yournumber from one carrier to another (this is called aport), and the elapsed time may vary depending on howquickly your current provider processes the port. Onaverage, ports take 7-10 days to complete; however, they cantake up to 4 weeks in rare cases.

Can you keep the same phone number with a new SIM card?

Can I still keep my number if I'mmoving to a SIM Only deal? Yes, the same processapplies. If you move from one network to another thenyou need to ask your old network for a PAC code, and giveit to your new network within 30 days. Yournew network will port your mobile number overto your new SIM.

How do I change my mobile network?

To switch and keep your mobile number– text 'PAC' to 65075
If you want to switch and keep your existingphone number, text 'PAC' to 65075 to begin the process. Yourcurrent provider will reply by text within a minute. They will sendyou your PAC, which will be valid for 30 days.

Can I transfer my mobile number to the same network Three?

If you're joining Three from a differentmobile network, you should ask your old mobilenetwork to provide you with a PAC Code. The PAC Codewill allow you to transfer your phone number toThree. After getting a PAC Code from your oldnetwork, you should order your new phone orSIM card directly from Three's website.

Can I transfer my number from EE to EE?

All you'll need to do is to request a PAC Code.It's totally free and the entire process of transferringyour phone number should normally take no longer than oneworking day. Transfer your EE phone numberonto a different mobile network. Transfer your phonenumber from another mobile network toEE.

How do I keep my number with o2?

You can give us your PAC code online, by callingus on 202, free from your O2 phone, or on 0344 809 0202, orby going into one of our shops. PAC codes are only valid for 30days, but if yours expires, don't worry – you can alwaysrequest a new one. Make sure you save the contacts onyour sim before the switch.

How many times can I port my number?

You are allowed to port or change numberonce every 30 days. If you want to keep your current PMnumber, then don't touch the PM line for porting inanother number.

How do I switch from one network to another?

“PORT<space> Mobile number” To1900
  1. First of all, Send a message on PORT then after giving spaceand type your mobile number. You want to port and send to1900.
  2. Now a UPC (Unique Porting Code) will receive on your mobile byyour telecom network.
  3. Below is the demo image of Port code received on mobilenumber.

Can we port mobile number online?

To generate the 8-digit unique porting code(UPC), SMS PORT<10-digit Mobile no> to 1900.Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is the right solution foryou. Changing your mobile network without changingthe mobile number needs your number to be ported.This can be done online.

How can I change my mobile operator with same number?

Step 1: To begin with, you need to generate UPC (UniquePorting Code) by sending SMS to 1900. UPC is an alphanumeric codeallocated, upon request, by a mobile operator to itssubscriber for the purpose of facilitation of porting of his/hermobile number to another operator. You just need toSMS "PORT" to 1900.

What is a SIM card in a cell phone?

SIM stands for subscriber identity module orsubscriber identification module. It would then follow that aSIM card contains unique information that identifies it to aspecific mobile network, which allows the subscriber (likeyou) to use the communication features of thedevice.

How do I change mobile provider and keep my number?

Keeping your number when switchingprovider is called 'porting' your number.You'll need to contact your current provider and request aPorting Authorisation Code (PAC). This is a numerical codethat you must then give to your new provider. You can callthem to get your PAC.

How do I change my SIM card to another network?

If you want to change your existing badnetwork into other new network withoutchanging your number. Here are the following stepsyou will have to follow to port one mobile network toanother mobile network. Step 1: First you will haveto send an SMS from your mobile, PORT<99999888888>your number> to 1900.

Who is the best mobile network provider in the UK?

Sky won the most awards with a total of three including thebest Network for customer service. Giffgaff wonNetwork of the Year, while O2 won Best NetworkCoverage. According to the latest study by RootMetrics, EE isthe provider of the best mobile coverage across theUK.

The big four are:

  • EE.
  • O2.
  • Three.
  • Vodafone.

How do I change the service provider on my iPhone?

You can manually check for and install a carrier settingsupdate with these steps:
  1. Make sure your device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellularnetwork.
  2. Tap Settings > General > About. If an update isavailable, you'll see an option to update your carriersettings.

How long does it take for a PAC code to work EE?

As long as the number is still active thenthey will be able to generate your PAC code. Onceyou've got it, it's valid for 30 days.

How can you change your phone number?

On your Android phone or tablet, open your device'sSettings app Google Google Account.

From here, you can:

  1. Add a phone number: Under "Your phone numbers," select Addrecovery phone.
  2. Change your phone number: Next to your number, tap Edit Updatenumber.

Can you transfer your number from EE to EE?

Contact EE customer service by either dialing 150from an EE Mobile, or 07953 966 250 from another phone, toask for your PAC (Port Authorisation Code) when yougive your notice to cancel your EE account. YourEE Mobile account will remain active until yournumber has been ported over to the newnetwork.

Can you use a PAC code on the same network?

If you're using a PAC Code to transferyour phone number to another network, the account onyour old mobile network will be closed automatically onceyour phone number transfer is complete. You can ordera free SIM card from any Pay As You Go network, forthe purposes of using your PAC Code or STACCode.

Can I buy a new phone and just switch the SIM card?

With unlocked phones, you can alwaysswitch your phone service between differentphones as easily as popping out the SIM card and movingit. You can also use different phone service plans ina single unlocked phone, say one for work and one forpersonal, by switching the SIMs.

How long does it take to port a number EE?

Switch to EE and keep your number (portnumber)
With a PAC you can transfer your numberfrom one network to another. PACs are valid for 30 days fromthe date they're issued. When you join us, we'll send you anew EE SIM.

What is my PUK code?

A PUK code stands for “Personal UnlockKey.” It's a unique code that is linked to your mobilephone's SIM card and is usually 8 digits long. You will need thePUK code if you have set a SIM Card lock and entered thewrong passcode 3 times. Your phone will become locked, and you willneed the PUK code to unlock it.

Can I keep my landline phone number if I switch providers?

You can keep your existing landline telephonenumber when you switch if you want to. This is known asnumber 'porting'. However, you may not be able tokeep your existing landline number if you areswitching landline provider at the same time as movinghome.

Can a phone company refuse to port your number?

Phone companies are required by law to portyour number out when you start service with a newcarrier. According to the FCC, a company can'trefuse to port your number even if you have an outstandingbalance or unpaid termination fees.

How long does a mobile number port take?

How long will it take to port mynumber to a new carrier? Transferring or porting yournumber can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 24 hours.Porting multiple lines and porting landlines cantake up to 10 days. It all depends on which carrier youare switching from and to.

How long does it take to port a number?

There are a few things that have to happen to move yournumber from one carrier to another (this is called aport), and the elapsed time may vary depending on howquickly your current provider processes the port. Onaverage, ports take 7-10 days to complete; however, they cantake up to 4 weeks in rare cases.

Can I port my number if my phone is disconnected?

You will need to port your numberto another phone company. However, if your servicehas been disconnected, the number will need to bere-issued to you before you can port to a new phonecompany.

What do I need to port my number?

The pieces of information necessary to process a portare:
  1. The telephone number to be ported.
  2. The name of the current Provider.
  3. Number Type.
  4. Type of Service.
  5. Account Number.
  6. PIN/Passcode.
  7. Account Name.
  8. Billing Telephone Number (BTN)

What happens when you port your number from Verizon?

When you receive the text message, yourphone with the other service provider will stop working, andyou should reprogram your Verizon Wireless phoneright away. After reprogramming, you'll be able to make andreceive calls with your Verizon Wireless phone, using thenumber you ported from your other serviceprovider.

Does porting number cancel service T Mobile?

Does porting number to other provider terminateT-Mobile account? I had a "Pay As You Go" plan withT-Mobile with auto pay enabled ($30 each month). Youcan however call T-Mobile to verify that youraccount is no longer active and that pay as you go iscanceled.

How do I keep my same mobile number?

How do I transfer my mobile number?
  1. Call your current provider to request a mobile PAC code. A PACcode should be given to you immediately over the phone or withintwo hours by text.
  2. Contact your new network and give them the PAC code.
  3. Check the SIM works in your phone and the new number has portedacross.