U Switch

[Dan1878]

I am completely baffled. I read a post from 2021? about someone wanting to change their tariff, retain their existing number, are an O2 customer already and found the deal on U-switch. The advice was yes it's easily done. Just press the upgrade icon on the screen when you check out.

After numerous conversations with O2 they've said it can't be done. I found a deal on U-switch, it takes you to the shop. You continue to purchase but it says they need 24 hours to do a credit check. Ok fair enough. I logged back in to find that the session had expired so I had to start again. I couldn't see an 'upgrade' icon.

Went on the chat they came up with a plan twice what I am paying for a lesser service I am already on! I appreciate U-switch have deals unavailable to existing customers although I am baffled as they send you to the O2 shop!

If I am successful in getting the sim ie passing the credit check - I'm already a customer and pay more now hence I want a cheaper deal, Can I keep my exiwting number?

Thanks 

[madasaf1sh · Accepted solution]

@Dan1878 

You cant use uSwitch anymore as an existing customers, the deals on there are just for new customers nowadays (this changed in the past few months). 

There are 2 ways round this

1. Start a new contract with a new temporary number and then ask o2 to migrate the old number to the new contract.  Guide: Migration & porting into O2 has all the details, and reports have been some o2 agents refusing to do this.  

2. Port the number out to another network, I would suggest a PAYG sim for a couple of weeks, then port it back into a new o2 contract..

3. Port to a new network or virtual network and you might get a better deal than o2.. 

If going to a new network then get some PAYG sims and test the coverage before jumping in feet first. 

Also If you are still in contract you will need to pay off any remaining months left

[Dan1878]

Hi Madasaf!sh

Many thanks for the suggestions. I managed to do your 1st one but something so simple turned out to be very complex. There was no mention of migration though.  I think the guy I ended up talking to did me a SPECIAL once in a lifetime deal. He cancelled my new sim contract and changed the deal I was on to the one I was hoping to get with uswitch. I think when I mentioned going to Labara or Giffgaff he was able to offer this exclusive!