News 2001
Virgin Mobile says it's time to switch!
02/10/2001
Consumers can now switch networks and keep their mobile number in just five working days
Virgin Mobile, the UK's fifth network, is urging mobile users to use new consumer rights to switch networks - and to get a better deal on their phone bill. Virgin Mobile welcomes the mobile industry's upgrade of the Mobile Number Portability process (MNP2) this month, a move which makes it easier, simpler and quicker for consumers to switch to a rival mobile company - and still keep their phone number.
What does MNP2 mean?
- You can change network more easily and keep your number - an industry wide move
- It's fast and now only takes five days instead of 25
- It's flexible. Customers can choose when they change
- It's easy and hassle-free
- Virgin Mobile with its competitive proposition is the destination choice for mobile switchers
As of 1st October 2001, a simple three-step process is now all it takes for mobile users of other networks to switch to Virgin Mobile. They may be able to keep their old phone as well as their number:
What does MNP2 mean?
- The customer calls their existing mobile company to get a switching code (known as a Porting Authorisation Code or a PAC) and then calls Virgin Mobile on 0845 6000 600 with the code to arrange the transfer.
- Virgin Mobile will then send them a new SIM card.
- The customer puts the new SIM in their phone and that's it! Within five working days they switch seamlessly across to Virgin Mobile with their old number and get to enjoy Virgin Mobile's cheap calls and great services.
Said Steven Day, corporate affairs director at Virgin Mobile: "This is great news for mobile users. Virgin Mobile has campaigned to make it easier for customers to switch networks. Now the hassle of moving has been removed, it's time for you to look at what you're paying for your mobile phone calls and think seriously about switching to a better deal. Now there's no excuse for not switching - you don't need to lose your number and you may not even need to splash out on a new phone."
Virgin Mobile makes owning a mobile phone simple and affordable. There are no hidden costs - you only pay for the calls you make, and you own your handset straight off. There's no contract to sign or monthly line rental to pay and one simple tariff means calls are about the cheapest around: 15p a minute for the first 5 minutes of use each day, then only 5p a minute after that. Virgin Mobile's tariff also comes with a Big Bonus which rewards high spenders - anyone registered for the Big Bonus who spends £30 or more on calls in a month gets 10% worth of free airtime to spend next month.
Since its launch in 1999, Virgin Mobile has consistently campaigned for simpler and fairer processes for the consumer. Before this change, customers had to wait at least 25 days to transfer or 'port' their number across to their chosen network. Now this process will take a minimum of five working days as all the networks use the same database which speeds up the process. The customer can even choose the date on which they wish to switch over.
