Key takeaways
You can keep your mobile number when switching network by requesting a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) -- text 'PAC' to 65075. Your number transfers to the new network within one working day of them submitting the code.
You can keep your landline number when switching broadband or landline provider -- tell your new provider at the point of ordering and they arrange the transfer as part of One Touch Switch.
Number porting is a legal right in the UK under Ofcom's General Conditions. Networks and providers cannot refuse to port your number.
There is no charge for a mobile PAC code. Landline number porting is typically included in the switching process at no extra cost.
The process works for geographic (01/02) landline numbers, mobile numbers and even some business numbers. Numbers starting 03, 05 and 07 can also be ported between providers.
Reviewed: June 2026Key facts
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Keeping your mobile number when switching network
Mobile number porting is straightforward. Text 'PAC' to 65075 from the phone you want to switch. You receive your Porting Authorisation Code within 60 seconds along with information about any exit fees. Give the PAC to your new network when signing up. They submit it to the central porting system and your number transfers by 11:59pm the next working day.
The PAC code is valid for 30 days. If you do not give it to a new network within 30 days, it expires and you need to request a new one. Requesting multiple PAC codes is fine -- each expires independently.
Keeping your landline number when switching broadband
If you have a landline number you want to keep, tell your new broadband or landline provider at the point of ordering. Under Ofcom's One Touch Switch process (in force since December 2023), your new provider manages the number transfer alongside the broadband switch.
Landline number porting typically adds two to five days to the overall switch timescale. The porting happens on or around the same date as the broadband service transfer. You should not lose your landline number during the transition -- it transfers across as part of the same process.
Always tell your new provider you want to keep your number at the start of the sign-up process, not as an afterthought. Late requests can delay the switch or result in the number not being ported on the first attempt.
What types of numbers can be ported
| Number type | Can be ported? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 01/02 geographic landline | Yes | Ported as part of One Touch Switch |
| 07 mobile | Yes | Via PAC code text to 65075 |
| 03 non-geographic | Yes | Ported between providers |
| 05 personal numbers | Yes (some) | Check with provider |
| 0800/0808 freephone | Yes (business) | Business freephone numbers can be ported |
| 09 premium rate | No | Premium rate numbers cannot be ported |
| Non-UK numbers | No | UK porting rules apply to UK numbers only |
What happens if porting goes wrong
If your mobile number has not transferred within two working days of your new network submitting the PAC, contact your new provider. If your landline number has not transferred within five working days of your broadband switch date, contact your new provider.
If a provider refuses to port your number without good reason, this is a breach of Ofcom's General Conditions. Report it to Ofcom at ofcom.org.uk. You can also raise it with the Communications Ombudsman or CISAS if your provider does not resolve it within eight weeks.
Number porting and VoIP
As the UK transitions from PSTN (traditional landline) to VoIP (digital voice over broadband), number porting continues to apply. Your 01 or 02 geographic number can be ported to a VoIP service in the same way as a traditional landline. Providers are required to support porting under Ofcom's rules regardless of the underlying technology.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Kael Tripton Ltd is not regulated by the FCA and does not provide financial advice. Telecoms information is sourced from Ofcom, the UK communications regulator. Always verify current information at ofcom.org.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my mobile number when switching network?
Yes. Text 'PAC' to 65075 to get your Porting Authorisation Code within 60 seconds. Give it to your new network when signing up. Your number transfers to the new network by 11:59pm the next working day after they submit the PAC. The code is free and valid for 30 days.
Can I keep my landline number when switching broadband?
Yes. Tell your new broadband or landline provider you want to keep your number at the point of ordering. Under Ofcom's One Touch Switch, they manage the number transfer alongside the broadband switch. Landline porting typically adds two to five days to the switch timescale.
Is there a charge for keeping my number when switching?
No. PAC codes for mobile number porting are free under Ofcom rules. Networks cannot charge for them. Landline number porting is typically included in the switching process at no extra cost, though check your new provider's terms to confirm.
How long does mobile number porting take?
Your PAC code is issued within 60 seconds of your text to 65075. Once your new network submits the PAC, your number transfers by 11:59pm the next working day. Total time from requesting the PAC to being active on the new network is typically two to three days.
Can a provider refuse to port my number?
No. Under Ofcom's General Conditions, all UK telecoms providers are required to support number porting. A provider cannot refuse to port your number without good reason. If they do, report it to Ofcom at ofcom.org.uk.
What happens to my number if I do not port it when switching?
If you switch without porting your number, your old number remains with your old provider. It may be reallocated to another customer after a period of inactivity. To avoid losing a number you want to keep, always request a PAC before your old service ends.
Can I keep my number if I move abroad?
UK number porting rules apply to UK networks. If you are moving abroad and want to keep your UK number active, you would need to maintain an active UK SIM or VoIP service. Keeping a UK number active purely for overseas use may not be straightforward -- check with your provider.
Can I port my number to a VOIP service?
Yes in many cases. VoIP providers can request porting of 01, 02 and 03 numbers from traditional providers. As the UK transitions from PSTN to VoIP, number porting between VoIP services is increasingly supported. Check with your specific VoIP provider for their porting capabilities.
