Changing Phone & Network

Silent Tristero

Was wondering if anyone had recently switched mobile phone networks in the UK; I'm currently 2-3 months off the end of my 18 month contract with Vodafone (With a 12 month one prior to this, so been with them a while), and basically they don't offer the phone I want.

Regarding the phone, I'm interested in the Google Android OS. Vodafone offer the HTC Magic, also on a good contract that I could obtain very simply in the next few days. However, I'm really coveting the HTC Hero, which is only available on Orange. The high-street retailer 'Phones 4 U' offer the phone on a similar contract (a £35/m plan reduced to £25/m), but that adds the hassle of changing provider.

I believe I'll be able to keep my number (Something to do with requesting a Pac code from my current provider?). I'm still debating if it's worth doing just to get the Hero over the Magic. Anyone with experience or comments on the process of switching (I've heard of comapnies paying off your remaining months on the existing contract; how does this work?), or indeed the 2 phones, would be highly appreciated.

BobCesca

Generally, you need to phone a month before your contract ends and say that you want to cancel your contract. You will then get transferred to a special line which will eventually offer you all kinds of deals to stay. They'll give you a code. You then go to wherever to buy your phone just before your current contract ends and say that you want to keep your old number and have the code. This might take a few days to change over (when I switched to 3 I had a different number for about 4 days).

Hope that helps a little.