Switching to Virgin Mobile - advice

smallclone · 21-07-2014, 10:46

Hi all,

I'm currently with Orange. My contract runs out in September. I'm thinking of switching to VM as they have good prices.

1) My contract runs out Sept 28th. When do I have to notify Orange that I want to switch?
2) Would I be able to keep the same number?
3) I presume I can keep the phone I have now after September?

Thanks

howardmicks · 21-07-2014, 12:47

You can keep same number and I think you would need to unblock yer phone to work on all network,orange will probably try to offer you a better deal to keep you.if I was you would certainly consider other options aswell I am with vm mobile and have another 2 phones on my contract and can't wait for them to end to move,since lg have took over there as been a price rise on rental every year.3 is far cheaper and by far better deals

qasdfdsaq · 21-07-2014, 17:30

1) You don't. Your new provider notifies them and agrees a date directly.
2) Yes
3) Yes

smallclone · 22-07-2014, 09:43

Thanks for these. I'm currently paying around £27 a month for unlimited texts, 750mb data and 200 mins.

It seems like I can get this for about £10 on VMedia.

I'm trying to see what the catch is.

oliver1948uk · 22-07-2014, 10:11

There is no catch. I have found their service and prices excellent. I have four mobile VM contracts, all SIM only. If necessary, can be cancelled with 30 days notice.

Just make sure that there is a good EE signal in the main places you want to use your phone.

smallclone · 22-07-2014, 10:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by oliver1948uk

Just make sure that there is a good EE signal in the main places you want to use your phone.

Will the EE signal be similar to the Orange signal? Or is it totally different? I get confused because on my phone screen at the moment It says "Orange, T-Mobile EE" !!

oliver1948uk · 22-07-2014, 10:36

The same. EE is a combination of Orange and T mobile. On a VM phone if it says Virgin (capital V) it is using T mobile. If it says virgin (small v) it is using Orange. Changes to Orange when T mobile signal is poor.

smallclone · 22-07-2014, 10:43

Nice. cheers. Looks like a no brainer for me then. VMedia to get more of my money soon.

My Orange account says I am "due an upgrade" in August - can I talk to VMedia at that point? Or do I have to wait until nearer the contract end point (late september)

Ben B · 26-07-2014, 12:29

The date in August will be your upgrade date which tends to be around 45 days before your contract ends on Orange. You can talk to Orange at any point to get your PAC code and your number will transfer one working day after you give it to VM. If you do it before your contract ends you will have to pay for any remaining months in your contract so if you did it in August you'd have to pay your August and September bill but once your contract ends you can do it at any time with no fee

Ken W · 26-07-2014, 18:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by howardmicks

You can keep same number and I think you would need to unblock yer phone to work on all network,orange will probably try to offer you a better deal to keep you.if I was you would certainly consider other options aswell I am with vm mobile and have another 2 phones on my contract and can't wait for them to end to move,since lg have took over there as been a price rise on rental every year.3 is far cheaper and by far better deals

I believe that Virgin Mobile uses the same net work as Orange / T-Mobile / EE

Taf · 26-07-2014, 20:35

My daughter has a SIM only deal that was 15pm for UNLIMITED (beware that word with Virgin) DATA, CALLS AND TEXTS.

It's has just gone up to 16.50. A 10 rise!

dave_dph · 27-07-2014, 19:43

Number porting only happens Mon - Fri. As your contract ends on a Sunday you can port out on Fri 26/09/14 or Monday 29/09/14. If you port on the 26th you will be charged up to the 28th, if you port on the 29th you may be charged to the 29th, but it's likely to be the 28th.

I suggest the following: Call Orange on Saturday 30/08/14 and request your PAC. They will offer you deals to stay, just stand firm and your PAC will be issued - usually by text if you so wish. The PAC is valid for 30 days and also gives Orange the required 30 days notice to quit.

Whenever you're ready, but somewhere around the third week in September, order your new Virgin sim.

Continue to use your Orange service during the 30 day notice period, which is also the validity period in which the PAC can be used.

Once you have decided when you want the number to port (see notes below) phone the PAC through to Virgin; to ensure next working day porting it's best to phone Virgin during the morning. In your case have a look at the following key dates:

30/08/14 Request PAC from Orange (day one)

You then have two choices: Thursday 25/09/14 give the PAC to Virgin (day 27) and the number will port the following day - Fri 26/09/14. In this example Orange charges will be calculated up to and including Sun 28/09/14 (day 30) - the last day of your contract.

Or

Friday 26/09/14 give the PAC to Virgin (day 28) and the number will port on Monday 29/09/14 (day 31). In this example Orange may charge for one additional days service after the contract ends, but from memory they didn't when I last ported out.

The process of porting closes the Orange account. Note - after the number has ported to Virgin the Orange sim may remain active for a day or so with the same number, don't worry as this is normal; incoming calls and texts will go to the Virgin sim.