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T
he UK has four mobile-phone
networks: EE, O2, Three and
Vodafone. All the other
networks – such as Giffgaff,
Tesco Mobile and BT Mobile – are Mobile
Virtual Network Operators, or MVNOs.
They buy data, texts and calls from the
big four networks at a discount, and pass
on this saving to their customers. Switch
to an MVNO from one of the big four and
you’ll start paying less from day one.
MVNOs are like utility companies.
When you switch to a new energy
provider, not much happens in the
background. Electricity continues flowing
from the same grid, but someone else
will be responsible for sending you bills
and providing customer service. It’s the
same with an MVNO. Unless your phone
is locked to a specific network, you can
carry on using it as before – and, if you
switch between MVNOs on the same
network, or from one of the big four
networks to an MVNO that uses its
services, you shouldn’t notice any
difference in coverage or call quality.Request your STAC and PAC
Before signing up with an MVNO, check
your existing contract. If it was subject to
a minimum term that hasn’t yet expired,
your current provider may refuse to
terminate the agreement – or may charge
you to do so. You can find out more about
your current connection by texting INFO
to 85075.
If you don’t want to keep your existing
number, and your contract only has amonth or two left, you may find it’s
cheaper to leave it running until it
expires, even if you’ve removed your SIM
card and are already using an MVNO.
When your existing contract expires, call
the provider and tell them you don’t want
to renew, or text STAC to 75075 for a
Service Termination Authorisation Code
that you can give to the MVNO. They will
use this to close down your old account.
If you want to keep your existing
number to use with the MVNO, you’ll
need a PAC, or Porting Authorisation
Code. Your current provider must give
you this code – or a valid reason for
refusing to do so – within two hours of
you making a request. The simplest way
to request it is to text PAC to 65075 while
the old SIM is still in your phone (you
may also need to provide the account
holder’s date of birth, but your provider
should reply with any additionalrequirements within a few seconds of you
sending the first text). Note that any PAC
you request using your new SIM will only
apply to the line supplied by the MVNO,
not your old provider’s line, so can’t be
used to switch. When we texted PAC (^1 in
screenshot below left) we received our
code (TLP357^2 ) instantly.
Once issued, your PAC will be valid for
30 days, after which you can request
another one. Your existing provider won’t
automatically close your account unless
you use the PAC, so requesting one, then
changing your mind, shouldn’t see you
lose either your number, or any existing
balance on your account.Pick your MVNO
If any of the big four networks have
coverage problems where you live, any
MVNO that resells its service will suffer
the same problems. So, it pays to know
which MVNO uses which network, and
how each network performs in your area.
Start with Ofcom’s mobile coverage
checker at http://www.snipca.com/41874. Enter
your postcode and select your address
from the dropdown menu to see a table
showing which services have the best
coverage where you live. For a wider view
of your area, click ‘View map of available
services’, then zoom out, and use the
dropdown menu above the map to switch
between networks. Our screenshot above
right shows Three’s coverage around
Chelmsford in Essex, with dark green
indicating good coverage and yellow
‘some problems’.25 May – 7 June 2022 • Issue 632If you want to keep your number with the new
MVNO, you’ll need to request a PAC2
Sw itch to a
virtual phone
net work
(a nd save money!)
You don’t have to stick with one of the big four
(expensive) phone networks. Nik Rawlinson
explains how moving to an MVNO will save you money
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