Switching networks with PAC - what happens?

Jez · 10 Nov 2009 at 21:41

Ok, i have an iphone (probably irrelevant) on Three. I have got them to issue me with a PAC code as the contract expires month end.

I wish to order a sim card from vodafones website, using the PAC code entry box.

Would someone please be so kind as to detail the process for me? How much downtime will i have? Will my three sim card just die one day, will the vodafone sim card come with my current number already on it?

Basically, how does the transition work?

Many thanks

RJC · 10 Nov 2009 at 22:06

In the past when I have done this you get given a date, sometime during that day you will loose signal / service on three then a little while later your new sim should have the number ported across, it did take a couple of hours.

Alex_L · 10 Nov 2009 at 22:45

iirc you get a temporary number on vodafone with the new sim card, and at some point your old number will start ringing on your new vodafone sim card on the day they tell you the port is happening.

Pretty seamless, painless experience when i've done it.

ajgoodfellow · 12 Nov 2009 at 13:38

Yep

Went from 3 to Vodafone a few years ago

Got a temporary number on my Vodafone SIM and a date for the changeover. Lost reception on the Vodafone phone for about an hour on that date then my 3 number was ported onto my Vodafone phone - all very seamless and I'm still rather thankful to be rid of 3!

Jez · 12 Nov 2009 at 15:55

I wont be that thankful tbh, three really isnt bad when used with a decent handset (in my case an iphone). Their HSDPA coverage is both unlimited and performs very well, in that sense the vodafone contract will actually be a downgrade.

What i am looking forward to though is cell roaming working properly so i can finally have uninterrupted calls when driving or on trains etc. That and vodafone is offering the cheapest deals on the whole market by absolutely miles at the moment.

(900mins, Ultd Text, "Ultd" Data, £20pm, 12 months, with £100 quidco. Works out to £12pm over the year)

ajgoodfellow · 12 Nov 2009 at 17:37

Everyone's experiences will be different

As an example, I was conned into my 3 contract and I found their customer service to be unhelpful and the reception to be shocking. It wasn't nearly as cheap as it should have been either. I will never ever consider a 3 contract ever again

Strikeforce · 12 Nov 2009 at 18:34

Just to confirm, Vodafone wont give you a temporary number.

You number will stay active on Three until the port in date normally dates two days, on the port in date at sometime in the day your number will automatically port over.

There wont be any down time, just keep both handsets with you on that day.

Jez · 12 Nov 2009 at 18:40

I dont have two handsets, i think i will just have to keep the voda sim in my pocket ready for when my three sim dies on me in that case