Switching checklists for businesses
Five short checklists. Open the one you need and tick through it. Every rule here is linked to Ofcom.
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PAC and STAC To keep your mobile number, text PAC to 65075. To leave without keeping it, text STAC to 75075. Codes are free. OfcomNotice Your notice period is in your contract. On a PAC or STAC switch, mobile providers can't charge for notice that runs after the switch date. Ofcom
Switching business mobiles (PAC and STAC)
- One number: to keep it, text PAC to 65075; to leave without keeping it, text STAC to 75075. You can also ask online or by phone (Ofcom).
- 2 to 24 numbers: ask for the codes online or by phone. Ofcom says a code asked for by phone must be given straight away, or within two hours; one asked for by text or online within two working days.
- More than 24 numbers: contact your current provider, who will tell you what to do.
- A PAC lasts 30 days. With it, your provider must tell you about any charges for leaving early. Give it to your new provider, who arranges the move.
- Ofcom has banned mobile providers from charging for notice periods that run after the switch date.
- Check what you still owe on any handsets, and which SIMs sit in routers, card machines or alarms, before you move them.
Switching business broadband (One Touch Switch)
- Under One Touch Switch you only contact your new provider, who arranges the move and the end of your old service (Ofcom).
- Business accounts may not always be covered in the same way as home accounts. Ask both providers whether One Touch Switch applies to your business account, and if not, give notice to your old provider yourself.
- Book the switch for a quiet day, and ask for the install or activation date in writing.
- Check whether email addresses, static IPs or a phone system depend on your old provider.
Keeping your business phone number
- Tell your new provider you want to keep (port) your number when you order. Don't cancel the old line first or you could lose the number.
- Ask for the porting date, and whether calls will divert during the move.
- With the landline switch-off on 31 January 2027, ask for a digital (VoIP) line and keep the same number.
Notice periods and end dates
- Find your minimum term and notice period in your contract summary. Ofcom's rules for small businesses (10 or fewer staff): you must get a short contract summary before you sign, landline and broadband contracts can't renew automatically without your consent, and contracts shouldn't be longer than 24 months unless you agree (Ofcom).
- If you leave before your minimum term ends, you may have to pay early termination charges. Ask for the figure in writing.
- Out of contract? Ofcom explains how to check, and what to ask for: in or out of contract.
What to ask your current provider
- When does my minimum term end for each line and service?
- What would I pay to leave today, for each line?
- What is my notice period?
- Which numbers, SIMs and equipment are on my account?
- What's your best price to stay? (Get it in writing and compare it with our tables.)
General information, not legal advice. Checked 5 November 2026. Sift answers only from the sources linked with each answer and never guesses. What you type stays in your browser: it isn't sent or saved. Links marked Ad are affiliate links: how we make money.
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