New phone - PAC/STAC - am very confused!

[Tuliptulip]

I am trying to buy a new phone. I’m currently with O2, out of contract. I’ve found a good deal on a price comparison website (new contract with O2). O2 can’t match it so I need to buy the phone/contract through Buy Mobiles.
All fine so far but I’m really confused by the questions on their form. Do I need a STAC or a PAC number if I want to stay on the same network with the existing number? It’s just a new contract/phone!

Yeah you’ll need to go through the motions as it’s a new contract with a new number and then use the pac to transfer your old number over

Ok, that makes sense, thank you - just not sure if that requires a PAC or a STAC!

PAC is for keeping your number I think STAC is for changing it when going to another network

Thank you! If only their form was as clear as your advice...

You can't use a PAC number to transfer your number to the same mobile provider, So 02 to 02. You can only use a PAC number to transfer to a different provider unfortunately. You're best speaking to 02 and seeing what they can do!

Normally, if you're out of contract it will need to be made a pay as you go number and then they can transfer it over to the new contract. It can take a little while to become pay as you go if it's not already. (Sorry it's super confusing)

PAC code is what you need. You just text PAC To 65075

Oh dear, now I’m confused again - seems as if the process would be easier if I chose a different provider but the coverage where I am is definitely best with 02 (rural). I’m quite tempted just to go for the deal (I have a feeling it might be an August deal so time may be of the essence), and then deal with the whole number migration thing tomorrow. If the contracts overlap by a day or so it wouldn’t be the end of the world (both are less than £1 a day).