topic Re: Impossible to get PAC code in Archived Posts

Impossible to get PAC code

Oldpilot — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:03:07 GMT

Just had a frustrating conversation with a call centre in South Wales.

I want to port my number of 20 years across to Vodaphone and need a PAC code.

I more or less stopped using EE a couple of years ago as their coverage in the rural UK is abysmal. I have topped up occasionally and although regularly receiving calls have not bothered over several months

I am a pay as you go customer and Vodaphone give me excellent service with their big value bundles and coverage.

I have just had a thirty minute conversation with a call handler that was like something out of a comedy wind up sketch. I resorted to the phone call because the website will not allow me to get a PAC number online.

The bottom line is I was told to text 65075 PAC.

I was told that despite being registered online and them having my email address I could not get the code by email.

However the sim shows no service and has been like this for a week.

How do I resolve this?

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

XRaySpeX — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:21:44 GMT

You may have lost that no. if you haven't used it for a chargeable action for some time.

When did you last use it for a chargeable action? EE PAYG SIMs are deactivated after 6 months of non-use. You then have a further 3 months to call EE to reactivate it before it is lost completely.

You needed to make a chargeable action like making a chargeable call or text, topping up or buying a Pack or Add-on, not just using your mins, texts or data from your pack.

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

Oldpilot — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:43:52 GMT

It received calls OK until a week ago!

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

XRaySpeX — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:46:28 GMT

Receiving calls doesn't count as making chargeable calls.

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

bristolian — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 18:48:19 GMT

@Oldpilot When you could last receive calls is, unfortunately, irrelevant so far as the PAYG hibernation policy goes.

Take a read of this , and as per @XRaySpeX previous post - your last chargeable action is what matters.

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

Oldpilot — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 19:01:31 GMT

No email to me about the possibility of the service ceasing or the number lost despite me being registered with EE.

I have found them impossible to deal with.

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

Oldpilot — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 19:03:29 GMT

So for arguments sake if I put £10 on that number tonight would it register back online?

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

bristolian — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 19:06:36 GMT

Text message reminders are certainly sent out just before each stage of hibernation, and if the SIM isn't switched on to receive those texts, then it kinda proves the point 🙂

Yes, adding a topup would certainly serve to reactivate the number, assuming it's not reached the 273 day point.

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

Oldpilot — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 19:16:09 GMT

OK I just put a fiver on it and EE accepted the payment.

Sim still reading no service!

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

Oldpilot — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 19:21:09 GMT

And before you ask I was getting no service on this in a dual sim Samsung Galaxy that worked fine with Vodaphone in the main slot. Moved the EE sim to and I phone and still no service.

So they now have my money for nothing in return.

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

bristolian — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 20:21:39 GMT

At least you can now safely assume that hibernation is not the reason for no service. You'd therefore have to proceed on the basis that network signal could be, and all I can suggest is that you send the PAC message when you do have coverage.

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

Oldpilot — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 06:00:27 GMT

My EE sim has shown no service for nearly a week . The EE signal comes from a tower a mile away which also hosts Vodaphone which is fine.

Trying to contact EE is a nightmare which involves a 20 minute hold before connecting to a contact centre.

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

ewanrw — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 08:20:25 GMT

Waiting 20 minutes on hold is hardly unreasonable with all that’s going on in the world.

You could try driving to your nearest store and queueing up outside.

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

Oldpilot — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 09:58:05 GMT

I live in mid Norfolk where we have had no queuing during this pandemic.

I finally managed to get my PAC code this morning via online chat.

At last I am free from EE and can enjoy decent coverage from Vodaphone.

Re: Impossible to get PAC code

bristolian — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 10:04:10 GMT

Just by means of general info, in many rural parts of the UK, EE now use 4G800 "extended range" coverage to noticeably improve signal, but this does require the use of a 4G calling device which PAYG doesn't currently support.

Assuming that EE & VodaFone are on the same mast as you describe, and if 4G800 is in use there, the coverage would be pretty much identical.

I'm glad you got everything sorted, and hope things work out well with your new provider.