Vodafone to Orange

[BillStickers]

If I buy an Ornge Sim card will I be able to use it in my Vodafone-bought Motorola and will I be able to request to change my phone number to the new Orange Sim card?

[CheekyChops]

Your Motorola will probably be locked to Vodaphone so will probably need unlocking before you can use an Orange sim card in it.

Not sure about your phone number, is it a pay-as-you go sim or a contact one?

[CheekyChops]

Oops, obviously I mean contract.

[BillStickers]

It's pay as you go, CheekyChops.
I had an idea that all these latest phones were unlocked to any network already and it was a bit of a myth about needing them unlocked, but I wasn't sure.
I want to change from Vodafone payg to Orange.
Essentially I want to swap over the cheapest way possible, i.e. without having to buy a handset.
thanks...

[Hammer]

You'll probably need to get the phone unlocked - it's not a myth!

You can transfer your number over easily enough - call Vodafone and ask for a PAC code (Portability Authorisation Code, or something like that) and give this code to Orange. I think Orange will send you the SIM card with your new number attached so check this out before you buy one. It all takes a couple of weeks or so.

[BillStickers]

Hammer thank you for this - it really helps.
My question is, will that mean I would be without a phone for a couple of weeks during the changeover?

[Hammer]

No, it takes a few weeks to all happen from the day you start the process, but it switches from one network to the other on the same day. You may have no phone for a few hours at the most.