Switching from Talkmobile to EE? It's a straightforward process to keep your existing phone number.
Step 1: Get a PAC Code from Talkmobile
If you’d like to move your phone number from Talkmobile to EE, the first step is getting your Porting Authorisation Code (or PAC Code) from Talkmobile.
There are three ways to get a PAC Code from Talkmobile:
- Online: You can get a PAC Code from Talkmobile by logging in to the Talkmobile account website. Once you've logged in, go to My PAC/STAC.
- By Text Message: You can get a Talkmobile PAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text PAC to 65075 to receive a PAC Code from Talkmobile.
- By Phone: You can get a PAC Code by calling Talkmobile. To do this, call them on 5888 using your Talkmobile handset. Alternatively, dial 0333 304 8064 from any other phone. You'll need to call during Talkmobile's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm).
Here are some key things to know:
- A PAC Code is 9 digits long and follows the format ABC 123 456.
- Your PAC Code is valid for 30 days. If you don't use it during this time, the PAC Code will expire and you'll need to request a new one.
- You shouldn't close your account at Talkmobile: it'll be closed automatically when your phone number is transferred to EE.
Still in contract with Talkmobile? If so, you may need to pay an early exit fee on your bill from Talkmobile. To find out how much this would be, text INFO to 85075.
Don’t want to keep your Talkmobile phone number? You can switch to EE without taking your phone number with you. If you'd like to do this, get a STAC Code from Talkmobile instead.
Talkmobile STAC Code (Leave Talkmobile Without Keeping Your Number)
If you’d like to leave Talkmobile without keeping your phone number, you’ll need to request a STAC Code rather than a PAC Code. There are three ways to get a STAC Code from Talkmobile:
- Online: You can get a STAC Code from Talkmobile by logging in to the Talkmobile account website. After logging in, go to My PAC/STAC.
- By Text Message: You can get a Talkmobile STAC Code sent to you via SMS text message. Text STAC to 75075 to receive a STAC Code from Talkmobile.
- By Phone: You can get a STAC Code by calling Talkmobile. Call them on 5888 using your Talkmobile handset. Alternatively, dial 0333 304 8064 from any other phone. You'll need to call during Talkmobile's opening hours (Monday-Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm).
Once you’ve gotten your STAC Code from Talkmobile, the rest of the process for joining EE remains the same.
Step 2: Order your new phone or SIM card from EE's website
You should now order your new phone or SIM card using the EE website. Please select the type of tariff you're intending to move to:
If you're looking for a SIM card from EE, the following deals are currently most popular:
Network | Data | Monthly Cost (will rise each March by £1.50) |
|
---|---|---|---|
| 50GB data 100Mbps max speed | £18.00 per month 24 month contract | See deal |
| 150GB data 100Mbps max speed | £22.00 per month 24 month contract | See deal |
| Unlimited data 100Mbps max speed | £27.00 per month 24 month contract | See deal |
For a full list of available tariffs and the latest EE deals, please refer to this page on EE's website.
Alternatively, if you're getting your EE plan from a reseller, tap on their logo for more information:
EE will assign you with a temporary phone number during the transition process. This will allow you to test out the service before you finally transfer your phone number to EE.
Step 3: Give the PAC Code to EE
Once your new phone or SIM card arrives from EE, switch it on and make sure everything's working properly. If, for whatever reason, you need to return or change the handset or SIM card, it's best to do this before transferring your phone number.
Once you're happy to continue with the phone number transfer, contact EE and provide them with your PAC Code from Talkmobile.
Your PAC Code should be entered on EE's online form. Alternatively, you can give the PAC Code to EE by calling 150 on your EE handset. You can also call 07953 966 250 from any other phone.
If you have a STAC Code from Talkmobile rather than a PAC Code, this can be provided to EE in the exact same way.
Remember:
- You must provide the PAC Code to EE within 30 days of it being issued by Talkmobile. If the PAC Code has already expired, you'll need to return to step 1 and request a new PAC Code from Talkmobile.
Step 4: Phone Number Transferred (Next Working Day)
As long as you've submitted your PAC Code to EE before 5.30pm, your phone number transfer will normally be scheduled for the next working day (Monday to Friday only, excluding English bank holidays). After 5.30pm, you'll need to wait one extra working day for your number to be transferred.
On the day of the transfer, you'll momentarily lose coverage on both mobile networks. When this happens, restart your handset on EE. You should find that the EE phone or SIM card will now associated with your original phone number.
- If you see an error message (e.g. "SIM card registration failed"), this means it's time to restart your phone.
- Once the phone number has been transferred to EE, your account on Talkmobile will automatically be closed. You'll receive a final bill from Talkmobile for any outstanding charges.
Get the Latest Deals from EE →
Any Other Questions?
In case of any problems during the transfer of your phone number, you should contact your new mobile network (EE) with details of the problem.
If you have any other questions on using a PAC Code, please see my in-depth guide to transferring your phone number between networks. You can also read the comments below from other visitors to this website.
← Full Article: "PAC Codes - How to transfer your mobile number when switching networks"
Darah said:
Hi ken
I have read your article and its very helpful. But I have one question , what happens if I’m on pay monthly of talk mobile and want to go to EE on pay monthly as well. Would I have to cancel my current contract or what.
Ken replied:
Hi Darah,
Thanks for your comment. You can follow the instructions provided on this page to move your number from Talkmobile to EE. To answer your question: yes, the contract on Talkmobile will be cancelled automatically when you transfer your number over to EE.
Ken
Giulia said:
Hi Ken,
I have got a quick question for you. I am changing network from a pay as you go Talkmobile sim to a pay as you go EE sim. I have received the EE sim and I was going to try it in my phone and then to let them know the PAC code so they can transfer my old number.
I have read in your very useful article that on the day of transfer there might be some disruption of the service. I would like to know if I can keep the old Talkmobile sim in my phone until it is deactivated and that means that the transfer has happened to the EE sim, or once I have tried the EE sim in my Iphone it is better not to take it out anymore and wait until the old number is re-confirmed.
Basically I’d like to be able to use my Talkmobile sim till the very end so I don’t have to use a different number for just 24 hours, but does the transfer happen if the EE is not active in my phone?
Ken replied:
Hi Giulia,
Thanks for your comment and for your very good question! You can indeed put the Talkmobile SIM card back into your handset (in fact, I normally recommend people to do this). You’ll continue to receive incoming calls & text messages on the Talkmobile SIM card until the day of the transfer where you’ll lose signal on your Talkmobile SIM card (you could lose the signal any time on the transfer day). Once the signal has disappeared on your Talkmobile SIM card, you can change the SIM card for the one from EE. You should find that incoming calls and text messages then appear on the EE SIM card.
N.B. If you bought a new SIM-free iPhone from the Carphone Warehouse or another third-party retailer, please read the article here first as it could cause complications for your setup.
Hope this helps!
Ken