Minimum top up before switching phone network

Compu Global Hyper Meganet

I bought a new phone a few months ago. I'm looking to change my phone network now, but I was told that my current phone network will not provide the switch over code unless I have topped up by at least €150. Does this mean €150 on my phone since they registered it in store or €150 top up on my sim/number which was transferred over into the new phone?

Another separate issue; how legal is this minimum top up scenario? I was under the impression that consumer standards and acts were being put in place (such as keeping your number when you switch providers) to enable complete freedom for the customer, but this policy seems to circumvent this. I should point out that I was never at any point made aware of this policy when I was buying the phone.

Any input for a confused luddite would be appreciated!

Thanks

foggy_lad

The handset is locked to the network you bought it from as they have subsidized the cost of the handset for use solely on their network.

If you want to use the handset on another network you need to get it unlocked, this can usually be done for a fee of about €20 in some of the many phone unlocking shops around Dublin and many provincial towns, or you can get the unlocking code free from your network by spending €150/€130 on top-ups using that handset.

Compu Global Hyper Meganet

foggy_lad wrote: »

The handset is locked to the network you bought it from as they have subsidized the cost of the handset for use solely on their network.

If you want to use the handset on another network you need to get it unlocked, this can usually be done for a fee of about €20 in some of the many phone unlocking shops around Dublin and many provincial towns, or you can get the unlocking code free from your network by spending €150/€130 on top-ups using that handset.

Thanks for that, I'll probably just head down to Carphone Warehouse and get it unlocked there.

foggy_lad

Compu Global Hyper Meganet wrote: »

Thanks for that, I'll probably just head down to Carphone Warehouse and get it unlocked there.

They wont unlock it, the shops that will are not connected to the mobile phone networks at all, try your local "Phone Doctor" type of shop.

TommiesTank

I would recommend you read up about these types of stores first.

There have been suggestions that some clone phones or copy / steal data etc.

Not sure how much truth there is to this but I wouldn't use one.

Fred Swanson

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hfallada

Fred Swanson wrote: »

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But you are still giving out your IMEI which apparently you should never do

Fred Swanson

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Del2005

foggy_lad wrote: »

The handset is locked to the network you bought it from as they have subsidized the cost of the handset for use solely on their network.

If you want to use the handset on another network you need to get it unlocked, this can usually be done for a fee of about €20 in some of the many phone unlocking shops around Dublin and many provincial towns, or you can get the unlocking code free from your network by spending €150/€130 on top-ups using that handset.

There's a time limit on some of the top-up credits also, it's 6 months on Vodafone

RangeR

Fred Swanson wrote: »

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Other than impersonate your phone

lala88

How is there still people who dont know this?

Fred Swanson

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garhjw

Fred Swanson wrote: »

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And 1 person on this thread who doesn't know what they are talking about

Bepolite

I'm not sure the 'Phone Galaxy' run in a shop at the back of the Ilac or somewhere <SNIP> is going to be much more reputable than doing it online :pac: