Topic: Phone network comparison site

[Clive]

I plan to ditch my 02 network when my contract expires in October. I'm looking for one with free roaming in Europe, WiFi phoning and obviously good coverage.  I remember finding a really good comparison site some time ago but now for some reason I cannot find it. 

[Clive]

Aha!  Found it! 

https://www.portnumber.co.uk/transfer/mobile/from-O2/to-Lebara-Mobile#join

[Simon]

Is there such a thing as free roaming, Clive?

[Clive]

According to O2 yes.  But I've always had big bills when I return from holiday. On their website it says I should download a free addon but when I attempt to do so it says I'm not allowed to have it with my package.  So disingenuous!   

[Clive]

Next question, can I keep my sim card and ask for a PAC number when I change providers or do I have to buy a new sim from the new network?

[Simon]

You can get your PAC by texting 'PAC' to 65075 from the number you want to keep - you should get it in a minute or two. Alternatively, you can contact your old network to get your PAC. To transfer your O2 Pay As You Go number, you'll need to get a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code).

https://www.o2.co.uk/help/account-and-billing/leaving-o2

Your new provider will provide you with a new SIM card, which you swap over once the PAC has been activated.  It can take up to 24 hours for the number to switch over to the new SIM.

[Clive]

I was hoping I could keep the sim card.  I'll phone them much nearer the time to see if I can get on a better tariff . 

[Simon]

Why do you need to keep the SIM card?

[Clive]

To retain all my data etc. 

[Simon]

You mean contacts?  Those can be transferred to the Phone memory. 

[Clive]

That's handy to know! 

[Simon]

I don't know what phone you've got, but even the most primitive have an option to either store numbers on the SIM card or in the phone memory.  You should be able to copy them from the SIM to the Phone all in one go.

[Clive]

It's an iPhone 13 but I shan't be upgrading anytime soon!

[Simon]

Oh right, well in that case you should definitely be storing your contact details in the Phone memory.

[Clive]

OK, so I understand it now.  All my data is stored on the RAM in the phone and I can use any sim card.  Then I have to change my phone number to the new sim card.