Thanks to efforts made by Ofcom, network providers will need to give their customers the ability to send a text to begin switching network from July 1st, 2019. This new change in the mobile industry will make switching network the easiest it has ever been.
From July 1st, the rules for switching provider will be even more lenient towards the customer, allowing mobile phone users to change their network without even speaking to a customer service representative.
Let’s take a look at how the new process will work and how you can use it to switch to a better network.
How does text to switch work?
If you have ever had experience with changing network provider in the past, you’ll know what it’s like. You were forced to speak to a customer service representative, and they’d often pressure you to stay on the network. It’d take quite a few attempts of saying “no, I want to leave” before they’d give up and let you go. Things have been better in recent years, but text to switch will remove that service chat anxiety altogether.
From today customers across this industry will have the option to request a PAC or STAC code by texting a free number, going online, or calling their provider directly. The network must provide the customer with a PAC or STAC code, as well as important account details, such as potential charges that would be payable after switching. You can then give the code to your new provider. Within one working day, you will be switched to your new network.
If you’re worried about extra charges, don’t worry. Not only will the texts be free, but Ofcom is placing down rules that will ban mobile network providers from charging for notice periods after the switch period. With this, customers won’t be forced to pay for unused months on their old network after switching. Some network providers have already brought in the changes necessary to support this new UK text to switch system, but all networks must comply with the new rules by July 1.
You can choose whether you’d like to request a PAC code or a STAC from your provider through this new system. With a PAC code, you can take your old number with you as you switch. A STAC code will leave your old number behind and you’ll be given a new number once you switch.
Leaving your network and keeping your number
To clarify again, here are the methods you can use to get a PAC code, useful for when leaving your provider but you want to take your mobile number with you.
By texting ‘PAC’ to 65075.
Through your online account on your provider’s website.
Call your provider directly. They must direct you to the right place, hassle free.
Take note that if you have multiple numbers tied to your account, or if you are using a business account, you will need to go online or call your provider. Either way, you’ll still be given your PAC code without question.
Leaving your network without your number
If you’d like a STAC code (Service Termination Authorisation Code) so that you can terminate your contract and leave your old number behind, you can use the following methods too.
By texting ‘STAC’ to 75075.
Through your online account on your provider’s website.
Call your provider directly. They must direct you to the right place, hassle free.
Once you have your code, it will be valid for 30 days. During this period, you do not need to contact your network provider whatsoever, and any information that may be important to you about your current contract will be passed on to you.
Regardless of whether you ask for your STAC code or PAC code, if you do not give the code to your new provider within 30 days, your account with your current provider will remain active and you will continue to be billed. So, you have the freedom to stay if you change your mind. You can always ask for another code when you are ready.
Leaving your network without joining another
Finally, if you do not want to switch provider, but you still want to leave, you are free to do so and your provider can go through the steps with you. If this is the case, you must call your provider.
You can do this regardless of whether you are on a SIM only contract, a pay monthly contract, or pay as you go. You will be given a notice period during which your service will still be active. You will lose your number and may be asked to pay any early termination fees or outstanding balances on your contract.
It’s easy to switch to giffgaff
If you want to switch to giffgaff, for example, you can request a PAC code from your current network provider and then head to our handy number transfer page. Within one business day, you should be up and running on giffgaff.
We like to do things differently at giffgaff. Our SIM only deals aren’t tied to lengthy contract terms. You can pick and choose our SIM only deals on a month to month basis. We call them goodybags, and we think you’ll find it to be much more convenient than the network you’re currently on.
For example, you can get a massive 40GB for just £20 for a data heavy month, then pick up a goodybag with less data next month. We also have pay monthly phone deals that can be purchased with or without a goodybag to go alongside it.
