Auto-Switch (Text-to-Switch) to Make Mobile Number Porting Easy!

Number porting is set to get even easier thanks to Ofcom!

Automatic Switching Process – Text-to-Switch

Rather than have to call your existing provider for your PAC code and then your new provider to give them the code, you’ll be able to simply send a free text message!

In reply, your operator should then send a special code that can be given to a new operator to start the switch (i.e. there’s no need to talk with support staff). The code will then be valid for 30 days.

At the end of 2017 Ofcom announced that mobile operators would be given until 1st July 2019 to introduce a new Text-to-Switch (Auto-Switching) process, which makes changing operator as easy as sending a text message.

The new rules also ban mobile providers from charging for notice periods running after the switch date, which the regulator hopes will put an end to people paying for old and new services at the same time (it’s claimed that this could save UK mobile customers around £10m in total each year).

BT (BT Mobile / EE) has begun recruiting for a new “Auto-PAC Switching” trial, which they say aims to ensure that the “improvements we are putting in place give the best customer experience possible when porting a mobile number / account from one supplier to another.”

Text-to-Switch Process – 4 Steps

Step 1: Customer contacts the existing provider to request a PAC/N-PAC code

Step 2: Customer receives PAC/N-PAC and information relevant to the switch

Step 3: The customer signs up with their new provider

Step 4: The customer’s old service is cancelled, and the new service activated

Be aware, there is a chance that you existing provider could call you with a last ditch attempt to keep your business with a discounted deal.

That’s not a bad thing as you don’t have to use your PAC code if you don’t want to and you have 30 days to make up your mind.