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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Ruby Flanagan & Kieran Isgin

Thousands of mobile phone users urged to swap SIM cards before they stop working

Thousands of mobile customers across the country have been warned their sims will stop working in the coming month.

Customers belonging to the Plusnet Mobile network are being urged to swap their providers due to the firm shutting down later on in the year. The provider, which is owned by BT Group, only offers SIM cards and not any devices with contracts.

When it closes, users will be unable to use their SIM cards and may lose their phone numbers. It is not yet clear why the provider is being closed or when the SIM cards will stop working, however, BT Group has clarified that customers will be "the first to know", the Mirror reports.

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A Plusnet spokesperson said: “In March we told our customers that Plusnet Mobile would no longer be available to new customers. We are contacting our existing Plusnet mobile customers to let them know that we will be closing Plusnet mobile in the coming months, explaining the options available to them.

"For now, there will be no change to the mobile service provided. All Plusnet Mobile customers will be offered great deals to join EE, the UK's best network for 4G and 5G.”

While Plusnet mobile will be closing down, customers who use Plusnet's broadband and other home services will not be affected. It comes after the provider ceased selling mobile products to new customers in March this year.

Plusnet mobile customers have two options available to them. They can either take on a new plan with EE, also owned by BT Group, or switch to a completely different provider.

Customers will be able to switch away from their current plan without any penalty, even if they are mid-contract. Once a customer switches, their service will be cancelled and they will be made aware of any outstanding charges they need to pay for.

You are able to find out about any additional fees and details about your contract by texting INFO to 85075. You can also call Plusnet for free on your Plusnet mobile on 500 - for any other phone you can call Plusnet on 0800 079 1133.

How can I keep my current phone number?

If you want to keep your current phone number then you will need to switch before the network closes - even if you are switching over to EE. To do this you need to:

  • Request a switching code by text. Simply text 'PAC' for free to 65075 and you'll be sent your 'porting authorisation code' (PAC) through text so you can keep your number
  • You then need to give the switching code to your new provider within 30 days - you'll then be switched within one working day.

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