In short
A PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code) is a free code from your current mobile provider that lets you move your number to a new network. Text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep. Ofcom says the PAC is valid for 30 days and the new provider must complete the switch within one working day.
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What is a PAC code?
A PAC is a Porting Authorisation Code: a short code issued by your current mobile provider that authorises another network to take over your number. "Porting" is the industry word for moving a number. Giving a PAC to your new provider is how you switch network and keep the same number.
A PAC is linked to one mobile number. If your business has several numbers, each line that is moving needs its own PAC, although business networks let you request several together through your online account, by phone or through your account manager. The code itself proves the request came from the account holder, so you do not need to negotiate with the old network or send a separate cancellation.
If you do not want to keep the number, you need a STAC instead. Our STAC code guide explains the difference, and our hub on how to keep your number covers the whole switching process.
How to get a PAC code
How you request a PAC depends mainly on how many numbers are on your account. Ofcom sets the general rule, and O2 Business publishes a clear example of how a business network handles larger accounts:
| Your account | How to request the PAC | When the code arrives |
|---|---|---|
| One number on the account | Text PAC to 65075 from that number, or ask by phone or on the provider's website (Ofcom) | Ofcom: a reply to the text within one minute |
| More than one number on the account | By phone or on the provider's website, not by text (Ofcom). O2 Business: My O2 Business or your account manager for 2 to 24 numbers | O2 Business: on the call if possible, otherwise a call back within two hours; in My O2 Business within two days |
| Large moves | O2 Business: the "switch more than 24 numbers" option in My O2 Business, or your account manager. Other networks: ask your account manager or business team | Arranged with your current provider |
The text route is free and is the quickest way for a single line: Ofcom says your current provider must reply with the code within one minute. It only suits an account with one number on it, though; Ofcom says you need to call or use the provider's website if there is more than one number, and O2 Business confirms text requests are not available on those accounts. For a whole team, see porting multiple mobile numbers.
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How long is a PAC code valid?
Ofcom says a PAC is valid for 30 days from when it is issued, and all four networks we supply state the same on their own help pages. Within that window you can give it to the new provider and pick a switch date. If the 30 days pass without the code being used, it simply lapses and nothing changes: your number stays where it is and you can request a new code later.
The PAC comes with useful information. Ofcom requires your provider to send details of any early termination charge alongside the code, so you can see what leaving would cost before you commit. If you want that information without requesting a code, Ofcom, EE Business and O2 Business all describe texting INFO to 85075.
What to do with your PAC
- Choose your new plan and network and order the SIM or eSIM. Our guide to how to get a business SIM card covers the checks networks run on new business accounts.
- Give the PAC to the new provider, usually at the point of order or on its switching form, along with the number it belongs to.
- Pick a switch date within the 30 days. Three Business, for example, lets you choose a date up to 30 days ahead.
- Activate the new SIM early if the network asks you to, so you know it works before the number moves.
- Wait for the switch. Ofcom says the new provider must complete the switch within one working day. The old SIM then loses signal and the new SIM takes over.
Timing matters at the edges of the day, and each network sets its own cut-off, as the network notes below describe.
Is a PAC code switch the right fit for you?
We will check it against your systems and requirements and recommend the right option.
PAC codes on each network
Each network publishes its own help on PACs, both for leaving and for joining. Here is how EE Business, Three Business, O2 Business and Vodafone Business describe it.
EE Business
To leave EE Business and keep your number, text PAC to 65075. To join EE Business, EE Business says you need three things: the PAC from your current provider, your new active EE Business SIM, and the temporary number on that SIM, which it replaces with your existing number. EE Business says it switches the number within one working day. It also explains that putting the new SIM into a phone (which it calls "First Network Attach") triggers the switch, so give it your PAC before you insert the new SIM. EE Business gives a 17:30 cut-off for porting on the next working day. See EE Business SIM only plans.
Three Business
You can bring your existing numbers to Three Business with a PAC, or take new Three Business numbers. Text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep: Three says the PAC is free, arrives within 60 seconds and lasts 30 days, and you can choose a switch date up to 30 days ahead. Three says the quickest switch is one working day, or two if the request is made after 5pm, at a weekend or on a bank holiday. When you take Three Business plans through us, we can coordinate the PACs and the switch date with you. See Three Business SIM only.
O2 Business
For an O2 Business account with one number, O2 Business says you can text PAC to 65075, request it in My O2 Business, or ask by phone, when the code is given on the call or by text within two hours. Where the account holds more than one number, text requests are not available: for 2 to 24 numbers, use My O2 Business or your O2 Business account manager, and for more than 24, use the "switch more than 24 numbers" option in My O2 Business or your account manager. O2 Business says that once it has your PAC when joining, you switch within one working day, with a 17:00 cut-off. See O2 Business SIM only plans.
Vodafone Business
Vodafone Business asks for the PAC from the provider you are leaving and lets you enter it at checkout ("joining us from another network") or afterwards through its Keep my number hub. It states the code is valid for 30 days. Businesses with 10 or more employees are asked to go through their account manager, or to enter the code when ordering in Vodafone Business's Corporate Online portal (VCO). See Vodafone Business SIM only.
We supply business SIM only plans on EE Business and Three Business, and we can also supply O2 Business and Vodafone Business. When you switch through us, we can explain which route applies to your move, and the details are confirmed at quote.
Common PAC code problems
- The text route does not work for my account: if the account holds several numbers, request the PACs online, by phone or through your account manager instead
- The PAC has expired: request a new one; an unused code simply lapses after 30 days
- I lost the PAC: request it again from your current provider, through your online account or by text
- The phone will not work on the new network: an older handset may be locked to the old network, so ask the old network to unlock it before switch day
- The switch is late: Ofcom says the new provider must complete the switch within one working day, and providers may need to compensate you if it is delayed or you are left without service for longer than allowed
Switching with Forever Group
A PAC is easy to get, but the timing around it is where moves go wrong: contract end dates, unlocked handsets, SIMs arriving after switch day, and staff not knowing what to expect. We can help you line all of that up.
Tell us how many numbers you are moving, which network they are on now and roughly what each person needs, and we will suggest a plan on EE Business, Three Business, O2 Business or Vodafone Business. Pricing depends on your lines and term, so ask us for a quote. Contact us to get started.
How Forever Communications helps with business SIM only
We help UK organisations choose, switch and run business SIM only plans, data SIMs and eSIMs for the phones and devices they already own.
- Start with what you have: we look at your current contracts, end dates, users, devices and how much data people really use before suggesting anything new
- More than one network: we supply SIM only plans on EE Business and Three Business, and we can also supply O2 Business and Vodafone Business, so you can choose by coverage where your people work
- Keep your numbers: we help you plan the move with PAC codes or STAC codes so existing business mobile numbers come with you
- SIMs for every device: voice SIMs, eSIM SIM only that works with your device management, business data only SIMs for tablets, routers and vehicles, and fleet SIM cards on one account
- Controls that suit a business: we can help you set up spend caps, bars and user changes through the network's own business tools
Forever Communications is part of Forever Group. Plans, terms and pricing are confirmed at quote, so contact us and we will set out the options that fit.
Frequently asked questions
What is a PAC code?
A PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) is a free code from your current mobile provider that lets a new network take over your mobile number. You give it to the new provider and the number moves across; Ofcom says the new provider must complete the switch within one working day.
How do I get a PAC code by text?
Text PAC to 65075 from the number you want to keep. Your provider replies with the code and information about any early termination charges. Ofcom says the reply must arrive within one minute. The text route is for an account with a single number; for several numbers on one account, use your provider's website or ask by phone.
How long does a PAC code last?
Ofcom says a PAC is valid for 30 days. If you do not use it in that time it lapses and your number stays with your current provider. You can request a new code whenever you are ready.
Does a PAC code cancel my contract?
Requesting a PAC does not cancel anything. The old service ends when the number actually moves to the new provider. Early termination charges can still apply if you are in a minimum term, and the provider must tell you about them with the code.
Is a PAC code free?
Yes. Requesting a PAC is free, including by text to 65075. Any early termination charge for leaving a contract early is separate, and your provider must tell you about it when it sends the code.
Can I get a PAC code for an O2 Business or EE Business number by text?
Yes, for a single number: text PAC to 65075. O2 Business says text requests are not available when an account has more than one number; use My O2 Business or your account manager instead.
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