The biggest questions about Auto Switch are answered on our homepage.
We have lots more information about Text to Switch, auto switch, PAC and STAC codes, and the new number porting regulations that come in to effect on 25th June 2019.
Port Authorisation Codes are unique codes issued by a mobile phone network that authorises another provider to transfer or ‘port’ a mobile phone number from the original network to the new one.
You can get a PAC by sending a text message with the word ‘PAC’ to 65075. You will receive it in 60 seconds or less.
You will receive a text message containing:
Early Termination Fees (ETF) are charges made by mobile phone networks to customers who end their contract before it has finished. The longer there is to run on the contract, the higher the charge is likely to be.
Your PAC code text message will let you know if you have ETFs to pay. If you want to find out about ETFs without requesting a PAC you can send a text with the word ‘INFO’ to 85075.
From 25th June, you can enter your PAC online when you purchase a new mobile phone. Your existing number will transfer to your new phone or SIM when it is first activated.
When you enter your PAC in the checkout it is stored against your order.
If you pass the security and credit checks with your new provider, your PAC will be sent to them as your new phone or SIM is activated.
Your new provider will then transfer your number to your new phone or SIM within one working day. Working days are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and exclude bank holidays.
Your number will transfer to your new mobile phone or SIM after one working day even if you haven’t received it. If you want to guarantee that you always have access to your number, you should port your number after you have received your new mobile phone or SIM.
You can switch your number to a new mobile phone or SIM after you have received it by calling your new network and giving them your PAC code.
Your PAC will be valid for 30 days from the day you receive it.
Your current mobile phone contract will stay active and your PAC (port authorisation code) will expire. However, you can simply Text to Switch again to restart the process.
Auto-switch is the industry name for the new services that include Text to Switch and Auto-termination.
Auto-termination allows you to move to a new network and automatically cancel your old contract without having to talk to your old provider. With Auto-termination you will receive a new mobile phone number and your old number is lost.
Auto-termination works in the same way as Text to Switch but it uses Service Termination Authorisation Codes (STAC) instead of PAC codes and you get a new phone number.
Service Termination Authorisation Codes are unique codes issued by a mobile phone network that will end an existing mobile phone or SIM plan when it is used.
You can get a STAC by sending a text with the word ‘STAC’ to 75075. You will receive it in 60 seconds or less.
When you use a PAC code your old mobile phone plan will be cancelled, and your old phone number will transfer to your new network.
When you use a STAC code your old mobile phone plan will be cancelled but your old number will not transfer to your new network and you will not be able to get it back.