Unlocking Iphone 6

[Gromit]

I bought an iPhone 6 fromm EE and it is now out of contract, so I have switched my provider to Three.
I have my new sim and a new phone number. I have got my PAC Code from EE and given it to Three who said the number would move today.
EE also give me a link to their website, to unlock the phone. That has cost me £8.99 and they say it will take 10 days (from last Friday).
So my Three Sim is not yet working,

A couple of questions.
1. The Three shop told be my sim has to be in be transferred, but I have a dead phone (until it becomes unlocked). Should I carry on using my EE sim until the unlocking comes into effect?
2. Is a charge for unlocking normal? I had never heard of that

[HansUrbancka]

It does appear to be normal for a charge to be applied for unlocking a mobile. £8.99 is standard for EE in contract but, according to the following link,there is Not a charge when out of contract. Also 10 days is the normal time involved. Sorry that I Do Not have an answer about continuing to use the EE Sim.

http://ee.co.uk/help/getting-started/joining-ee/unlocking-your-device

Hans.

[Gromit]

Many thanks Hans. Both EE and Three have been useless.
I have put my EE SIM back in because I am out today and I need my phone, will swap SIMs again this evening. I plan to go to the Apple shop on Friday to try and sort it out.

[Fitzer]

Apple won't be able to help as this has nothing to do with the handset. You needed to unlock the phone before requesting a PAC, if the number switch does go through today you're going to be a bit stuck as the 3 SIM will become live but you won't be able to use it. Your only option is to use the EE SIM until it stops working. Unlocking charges are normal although they are a complete rip-off in my opinion.

[Gromit]

Thanks Fitzer.
Will my 3 SIM ever work, or do I need a new one?
Presumably if 3 try to transfer my number today and the phone is still locked to EE (It is, I have checked with Apple) then they will keep trying until it goes through?

[Fitzer]

The number swap should go through with no problem because it is independent of the handset and that's where your problem is going to be as you'll have a SIM with your number on and no phone to use it in :-( Only thing to do would either see if 3 will suspend the swap until the phone is unlocked or see if you can borrow any unlocked phone to use the 3 SIM in until the iPhone is unlocked.

[Gromit]

Thanks again Fitzer