Thousands of Brits urged to swap mobile providers before SIM cards stop working

24 May 2023 , 10:26
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Plusnet Mobile is going to close down this year (Image: Getty Images)
Plusnet Mobile is going to close down this year (Image: Getty Images)

A warning has been issued to thousands of mobile customers as their phone sims will stop working in the coming months.

Customers of the mobile network Plusnet Mobile have been urged to switch providers as the firm is going to shut down later this year.

Plusnet Mobile, which is owned by the BT Group, only offers sim cars and not handsets with contracts.

This means when it closes users will no longer be able to use their SIM card in their phone.

Plusnet Mobile customers will also lose their sim's phone number when it closes.

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The BT Group has not revealed when the closure will take place, or when Sims will stop working but customers will be "the first to know".

Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert website reports "thousands" could be affected.

Plusnet Mobile is closing down as EE is to become the BT Group's main mobile brand.

Plusnet's broadband and other home services will not be affected by the closure.

The provider stopped selling mobile products to new customers in March this year.

If you're a Plusnet customer then you have two options to choose from.

You can either take on a new plan with EE or you can switch away to another provider.

All Plusnet mobile customers are able to switch away from their current plan penalty-free, even if they are in mid contract, because of the closure.

When you switch, your service will be cancelled and you will be told whether or not there are any outstanding charges - you will need to pay these before you go.

You are able to find out about any additional fees and details about your contract by texting INFO to 85075.

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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.

Plusnet Mobile customers are currently being offered "exclusive" deals to switch over to EE.

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.

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.”

Ruby Flanagan

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