Get an automatic reminder for your mobile contract renewal date from billmonitor
Wouldn't it be great to get reminded (on your own terms), just how long you have left until you get nice, juicy contract upgrade or even have the privilege of switching?
Well - we've gone and made it happen.
Know exactly how long's left on your contract and when you can switch
We're really excited about this feature and we hope you are too. Now you'll be able to make the right decision, on the right contract for you at exactly the right time.
One of the most cited complaints with why users don't take up the recommendations is they're simply not able to switch or, as our users put it, they're "stuck in contract". It's annoying isn't it, getting all these money-saving recommendations from us when there's no way you can do anything about it?
This way we'll hope we'll get the right message to you at the right time. Even if you decide not to take our recommendation, hopefully you'll still get this helpful knowledge in your inbox every month, giving you a countdown to your renewal date.
When can I switch anyway?
Although you can often upgrade with your own network in advance of your contract end date, you can only typically switch networks freely once you're in your final month. Even then, if you switch before your contract expires (say in the final month), you may end up paying double for several days, so do be careful to wait until you're fully out of contract. In some rare cases, your new network may cover the costs for you leaving early but don't count on it.
Of course, you can switch at any time for a set penalty fee but most people rarely enjoy the prospect. Typically this is at least the number of months you have left multiplied by your monthly tariff - but may be more - always check. It may occasionally make financial sense to switch early - say, if your prospective savings on the new contract exceed your exit fee but it's a difficult balance!
There are plenty of people walking around paying hugely inflated monthly tariff costs when they're already out of contract. To those people we'd say "What are you waiting for?!". There's tons of contracts out there that are likely to save you money. If you still love your phone, consider a SIM-only contract - which will let you keep your handset.
How do I switch when the time comes and how do I keep my number when I do?
When you think of switching, you may think you'll have to give up your old phone number and get a new one. This may well be what you want to do (change can be a good thing!) but it doesn't have to be this way, of course. Switching networks while keeping your number can now be a pretty painfree process.
Here's what you'll need to do in 7 clear steps:
1. Wait until your contract has expired or is at least in final month - otherwise you'll have to pay extra to cover the costs of the remainder of your contract.
2. Do some research and check if you're on the right contract. If it's definitely time to move on to greener (cheaper) pastures, go to step 3.
3. Call your current network, tell them it's been emotional but it's time to call it a day. ASK FOR YOUR PAC CODE. This is a 9-digit code required to port your number from one network to another. They MUST give you this within 2 hours maximum if your request it.
4. They will probably throw a great deal at you to keep you. Listen to them, compare to the options you saw in step 2 and make a decision. If you decide to take their offer - then congratulations, you've probably just saved a lot of money. If you've had enough or the deal isn't good enough then proceed to step 5.
5. Don't cancel your current account yet but make sure you get the PAC code before you end the conversation.
6. With your PAC code in hand, you now have 30 days to use it or lose it (literally, after 30 days, you'll need a new one). Choose to buy your new contract online or in-store and then call the new network to ask for your current number to be transferred via the PAC code.
7. Having bought your new contract and asked to transfer your number, you can expect your account to be transferred from your old to new network within 7 working days.
Seems a lot to remember - will you let me know how it's done when the time comes?
Yup - we're working to make sure this advice gets to you at the exact right time, just when you need it. Look out for more great stuff in the near future!
Got questions about switching or upgrading, when you can do it or how to find out how long you've got left on contract - or just want to uibble with anything we just said? Let us know, we'd love to hear your thoughts below.
Nick Wright
Filed under: contract renewal PAC code billmonitor contract end date mobile contract monthly e-mail monthly update penalty fee reminder switching
Comments [0]