When to cancel your contract?

[Sasuke92]

Hi, so I know what phone number to phone and I know what a PAC code is but every 2 years the actual process of cancelling a contract drives me nuts.

My renewal date is 28th August 2019.

What date do I phone up to request my PAC code if I want to finish using my contract up? Is it 28th July 2019 and any date BEFORE or AFTER 28th July, and if it's AFTER, will I be billed for September 2019 instead since it's less than 30 days notification?

And what exact date would I use my PAC code so I don't get billed from my current contract?

Thanks.

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@Sasuke92 

From July 1st this year, you no longer have to give 30 days notice so just get your PAC ready and use it the day your contract ends.

[Sasuke92]

So I can request my PAC code on any date before 28th August 2019?

And what date should I use my PAC code? What would be my deadline date based on my renewal date?

[MI5]

Your PAC is only valid for 30 days so no more than 30 days before Aug 28th, then use it then.

[Sasuke92]

I get that but that's the problem. Do I use the PAC code on EXACTLY 28th August or after? What happens if I go one day after, say, 29th August, do I get charged for an extra entire month then?

[Sasuke92]

Will they cancel my contract automatically on the 28th August even if I haven't used my PAC code yet? Say my phone comes a day or two later.

[MI5]

You'll only be charged for any days you go over, not the entire month.
Your contract won't cancel until the PAC is used by the new network.

[davethorp]

More information including how to request a PAC under the new system can be found at https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Pay-Monthly/Cancelling-your-contract-An-updated-guide/td-p/1234852

I’d imagine the best course of action would be to request your PAC any time you like in the final month and give it to your new network with a switch date of 28th August.

Whilst they can’t charge you a 30 day notice period anymore I’d imagine they still can charge you until the end of the contract so using the PAC code earlier would still attract a charge. I’m speculating here mind so I may be wrong on that. I might have more of an idea on Monday when one of my lines terminates from using a STAC code

[jonsie]

My understanding is that there will be termination fees if applicable but the network has to inform you about this on the return text. 

[MI5]

Of course. You will still be charged to the end of the contract but they can no longer force an additional 30 days notice after that.