PAYG ending - can I transfer my number to another provider

[Irritated1944]

I've received a test from O2 saying that Talk Anytime will be ending and replaced by a new tariff which for £10 a month offers me 1000mins and 3000 texts amongst other things.  I doubt if I would ever send 3000 texts in my lifetime or use 1000 minutes (that's over 16 hours on the 'phone) in a year, so if I understand it correctly, I will £120 a year just to amass a whole lot of texts and minutes I'll never use.  So the questions are:

Can I transfer my present mobile number to another provider when Talk Anytime ends without O2 charging me for doing so, and if so why not?

[jonsie]

Yes you can port your number out at any time

There are no charges

Guide: How to get your PAC [June 2021 Update] 

Guide: How to find help & contact O2 

[MI5]

@Irritated1944 

Firstly, it's not £120 a year.

You can top up £10 and get those allowances for a month, but you retain the £10 to use in the following months.

You will need to make a chargeable call at least once every

Make sure any other network gives you good coverage3 months though, or O2 will disconnect you.

It's free to leave if you choose that option instead, just request your pac to retain your number Guide: How to get your PAC [June 2021 Update] 

Check the signal of other networks before changing to ensure they work in your area.