Switching Mobile Providers

[Zambo]

Had enough of EE the rip off bastards.

Have never changed provider before. Currently have sim only deal, and want to switch to one with Virgin.

Q after getting pac to keep current number, do I keep current sim, or do I get a new one from new provider?

Cheers.

[antdad]

Usually keep using current sim til new provider notifies you of date of switch over once registered OR stick it in and wait for it to activate which may take 24hrs once registered, every provider does it a bit different.

[Zambo]

Do I get a new sim from new provider, or use their network with current sim? Instructions not that clear.

[antdad]

You mean because EE piggybacks the Vodaphone network? I'd keep using existing sim until you have new one in hand, nothing will happen until you register or activate the new sim.

[Vespa]

FYI Virgin use the EE network but at a lower grade of service i.e. wifi calling works on EE doesn't work on Virgin.

The process to move is pretty simple:
1. Get PAC code
2. Order to service
3. SIM arrives
4. Activie new SIM
5. Wait for number to be transferred, can take a few days.

Job done.

[Zambo]

Thanks for the advice folks.

[kancutlawns]

Usually keep using current sim til new provider notifies you of date of switch over once registered OR stick it in and wait for it to activate which may take 24hrs once registered, every provider does it a bit different.

Got a 10% reduction on my monthly bill when my existing contract ran out which is quite generous. No urge to upgrade now so happy with my out of contract phone.

[Zambo]

You mean because EE piggybacks the Vodaphone network? I'd keep using existing sim until you have new one in hand, nothing will happen until you register or activate the new sim.

When I stick the new sim, in does everything on my phone e.g apps contacts settings stay the same or will I have to download apps again from store? I.e does the phone store it all as well as sim?

[kancutlawns]

You mean because EE piggybacks the Vodaphone network? I'd keep using existing sim until you have new one in hand, nothing will happen until you register or activate the new sim.

When I stick the new sim, in does everything on my phone e.g apps contacts settings stay the same or will I have to download apps again from store? I.e does the phone store it all as well as sim?

Probably safer to back up your contacts from your old sim and/phone to an app and then restore onto the new sim. The app you use may be specific to the make of phone although there may be more generic ones.

[Zambo]

First time I've switched, so was just interested in any impact. Thanks for the info.

[black_guardian]

Use a decent back up system like Google 1 or GCloud.

Manually move your large files onto a PC to avoid using too much of your cloud storage. Back up and then restore.

Remember to save contacts to phone, not the SIM. Easier to back up and restore.

[Zambo]

Cheers