Frequently asked questions
about the life span, purchase and transfer of a new mobile number. Click on the question to see the answer expand
below.
+ What's a SIM card?
A Sim card is the microchip that you insert into your mobile phone. Roughly 2cm by 1cm in size, it is usually fitted behind the battery in the back of the phone. The microchip holds the identity of the phone - it's mobile number - for the network, so it can recognise and bill for calls made.
+ What does PAC mean ?
PAC is initials for Port Access Code. This is a number that is given by the network to authorise the transfer of that number onto another network. You call the network and request a PAC if you want to move the number away from them to another network. The PAC usually lasts 30 days from the date of issue. You must pass the PAC onto another network during that time or it will expire. If it has expired you need to request another PAC.
+ Are calls from Gold or Platinum numbers more expensive?
No, both contract and Pay As You Go call charges are just the same as your usual tariff from the network. They are not premium rated in any way.
+ How long can I keep the new Gold Number without activating it?
New Gold or Platinum Numbers do have a limited life, which is controlled by the network, UNLESS it is activated, topped up and used. The netwoks have to remove unused numbers from circulation, so they give every new number they isses a date when it will be removed from availabilty if not in use.
Ask this question when you buy the new number from the retail website. They will tell you how much time is left for the life of the number before the network cancels it. This is very important if you plan to give the number as a gift and there will be a delay in activation.
Generally, it is always best to activate the number as soon as you receive it. Don't put it in a drawer and forget about it. Your retailer cannot help you if the number is cancelled by the network because of delay.
+ I'm on a contract. What network should I buy my new Gold Number from?
If you are on a contract, you need to look for a new Gold Number that is NOT on the same network. This requirement does seem strange, but your new number has to be on a SIM card that belongs to a different network. This enables your current network to transfer the number INTO their system.
This is called Porting.
+ I have seen a Gold Number I want, but it's on my current network. Help!
If this is the case, you could purchase the new number and hold onto it until your current contract expires. But, you must activate the new SIM or it will be de-activated before you can get to use it. See Question: 'How long will the Gold Number say mine if I don't use it'
+ How do I transfer this new Gold Number onto my contract network?
The process is called porting, and to do this you request a Port Access Code (PAC).
When you recieve your new Gold Number SIM pack, just call that network provider (the number will be in the booklet that comes with the SIM). Register your details to the number and request the Port Access Code during the same call. Then, call you current network and give them the details of the new number and the Port Access Code you have been given.
The networks will take care of everything from there on. It only takes them a couple of days to switch. They help you every step of the way. There is no charge for this.
+ What do I do when the new Gold Sim card arrives?
You will be given detailed instructions by the retailer you have purchased the new number from, but generally these are the steps you need to take:
If you are on PAYG: just insert the new SIM into your phone, switch on and call the network (the number will be in the booklet that comes with the SIM card). Ask to register your details to the new number, and add a password if you wish. You MUST then top-up the number. If you do not top-up the number it will not be properly activted by the network - and you risk losing the number.
Once topped up, make a chargeable call, or send a text, which will safeguard your new number from deletion for approx 3 months.
MAKE A CALL BEFORE EVERY 90 DAYS IS UP. USE IT OR LOSS IT
If you are on contract: see qustion 'How do I transfer this new number to my contract network'
+ How long will the Gold Number stay mine if I do not use it?
You must make a chargeable call every 3 months to keep a number activated on the network. Don't put the unactivated SIM pack into a drawer and forget about it, or leave it in an old phone and forget about that either. Unless the number is used reguarly the networks can, and do, cancel unused numbers to remove them from circulation. Once a number is cancelled, you will not be able to re-activate it or get it back from the network - no matter how much you beg!
MAKE A CALL BEFORE EVERY 90 DAYS IS UP. USE IT OR LOSS IT
+ I can recieve calls - will the number stay mine if I don't top-up?
Your new number will be able to recieve calls without being topped up, BUT it will not be properly activated by the network and could be de-activated without notice - meaning you have lost the number and cannot get it back. Don't let this happen.
You must top up your new number with at least the minimum amount. For some networks this is £5.00 for others £10.00 then make a chargeable call or send a text.
+ Do the networks charge to Port a number?
No, transfering a number between networks is free.
+ My mobile phone is locked to a network. Is it illegal to unlock it?
No, this is a common misconception. Networks lock the mobile phones they give as a freebie or at a discount to contract holders. It is to encourabge you to stay with their network. If you need to, tt is not illegal to get the phone unlocked by a local mobile phone shop, it is a quick, easy and cheap operation to carry out.
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