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UK mobile contracts

Mobile contract ending checklist

Short answer

Text INFO to 85075 to check early exit costs. Compare plans before renewing, including scheduled price rises and any remaining handset payments. You do not need a PAC to compare. If you decide to change provider and keep your number, text PAC to 65075 and follow the new provider's instructions.

Updated

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Check your renewal price before agreeing to another term. If your phone still works for you, compare SIM-only plans, check coverage and keep any remaining handset payments separate.

What to do when your contract is ending

  1. 1

    Check your contract and handset balance

    Text INFO to 85075 to check your contract status and possible exit charges. Check your provider's account for the end date and any separate handset payments.

  2. 2

    Read your renewal notice

    Your provider must contact you 10 to 40 days before the minimum term ends. Note the end date, notice period, price after the term and the provider's best deals.

  3. 3

    Compare before renewing

    Compare keeping your phone on SIM-only with the renewal offer. Check coverage, data, upfront costs and every scheduled price rise over the whole minimum term. A PAC is not needed to compare.

  4. 4

    Choose whether to keep your number

    If you decide to change provider, text PAC to 65075 to keep your number or STAC to 75075 for a new one. Codes last 30 days. For several numbers on one account, request the code through your provider instead.

  5. 5

    Complete the new provider's checkout

    Check its order and activation instructions, then give it your switching code. You can usually sign up first and provide the code later. Once it has the code, the new provider must complete the number switch within one working day.

Sources (2)

PAC vs STAC in plain English

  • PAC keeps your existing number when moving provider.
  • STAC closes old service and starts a new number with another provider.
  • A PAC or STAC is valid for 30 days. Give it to the new provider when you are ready to change service.
  • You can usually sign up first and provide the code later. Requesting a code is not a comparison or a completed switch.
Sources (2)

Final bill and Direct Debit safety checks

  • Do not cancel Direct Debit too early; wait for final-bill confirmation.
  • Keep screenshots of cancellation and switch confirmations.
  • If your account is in credit, track refund timing until funds land.
  • Review first bill from your new plan to confirm expected pricing.

Align mobile decisions with move-home admin

  • If moving soon, avoid long lock-ins unless coverage and address fit are confirmed.
  • Use your move-home plan to sequence energy, broadband, and mobile changes together.
Open move-home checklist
OptionWhen it is strongest
Stay on rolling planShort-term flexibility is your top priority and you accept higher risk of overpaying.
Move to SIM-onlyYour handset is still good and you want lower monthly cost.
Upgrade handset + airtimeYou need a new device now and the full contract cost works for your budget.

Mobile contract ending questions

What does INFO 85075 do?

It gives a quick view of contract status and potential early-charge context so you can plan your next step before requesting PAC or STAC.

When should I use PAC instead of STAC?

Use PAC when you want to keep your current number. Use STAC when you want a new number on the new network.

Can I keep my phone if I switch provider?

Usually yes. The key check is whether any handset-finance balance remains under your current arrangement.

Why do many people overpay after contract end?

They keep paying old plan pricing while using far less data than included, or they do not review renewal options in time.

Should I cancel my Direct Debit on switch day?

Normally no. Wait until final-bill settlement is confirmed to avoid arrears or failed final collections.

Continue with mobile switching decisions

These pages help you benchmark value and execute number transfer correctly.

Start here

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End your mobile contract on your terms

Compare SIM-only plans without a postcode or a PAC. Check the data, contract length, scheduled price changes and number-transfer terms, then complete your chosen provider's checkout.

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Cite this page

Taupia. "Mobile contract ending checklist". Last updated 8 November 2026. https://taupia.com/compare-mobile-prices/mobile-contract-ending-checklist