Keeping Your Number

Upgrading - Staying with your network

Upgrading is the term used to describe the supply of a new handset with a renewal of your pay monthly contract. When you upgrade you have the opportunity to remain on your existing tariff or choose a new tariff. It's not uncommon for networks to update their tariffs, which can mean that you get a better deal with more inclusive minutes and text messages. Many of the new tariffs now offer unlimited calls to landlines, and if your new handset is Internet ready, you may want to consider upgrading to a tariff with an amount of inclusive data or unlimited web browsing.

At Mobile Phones Direct we also understand that you may not want to change your handset at the end of your contract period. So, bearing this in mind, we've put together several offers that allow you to recommit to your network and receive a fantastic free gift as an alternative to a new mobile; these include games consoles, iPods or simply a cash refund.

Porting your number - Moving to a new network with a PAC code

It's generally the case that the best mobile phone deals are only available when you connect a new number. Nowadays it's easy to move from one network to another without losing your mobile number. You'll need to be out of contract with your existing network, and will also have to request something called a PAC code from your current provider before switching.

When you buy a new pay monthly mobile from Mobile Phones Direct, you'll be asked if you require a new phone number or want to keep your existing one during the check-out process. If you're changing networks you will need to supply us with a PAC code; we will then use this to transfer your number over to the new network. This is a simple process and generally takes 48 hours from start to finish.

It's even possible to port a prepay Pay as You Go mobile number to pay monthly; to help you obtain the PAC code from your current provider we've provided a full list of networks and their contact details below: