A PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) allows consumers to continue using their old number if they change service providers. For many, this can remove the stress of having to let all your family and friends know you have a new number.

So, why can’t you just transfer your Jersey number if you want to join a UK provider?

After contacting local providers, they stated that the number ranges in use in the Channel Islands are not available for use by UK operators, and likewise Channel Island operators do not have access to UK operator numbers. The operators are governed by a different regulation in Jersey compared to the UK. A UK number may be able to roam on a Jersey network but porting between UK and Channel Island networks is not available.

If a customer chooses to purchase a service from a UK operator for regular use in Jersey they need to be aware of ‘permanent roaming’ clauses, where UK providers may either cut off a service or charge punitive rates for customers who use the service outside of the UK (not just in Jersey) for more than a certain number of days per month, or a longer period of time.