Re: Which UK networks require a regular topup on PAYG?

On 29 Sep, 07:15, Peter <occassionally-confu...@nospam.co.uk> wrote:
> I believe only O2 does, every 6 months.
>
> T-Mobile definitely does not.
>
> Vodafone definitely does not.

It isn't true on any network

UK networks count the time since the last use, as defined by making a
call or sending a text, and on some even receiving will qualify. On O2
an incoming call is definitely sufficient. I have one SIM that is
still active after 4 years or so, just by calling the voicemail, and
the packet is still sealed.

Most networks have 6 months of non use as the cut-off, but they can be
asked to turn them back on - the ease of doing this without getting
into an argument varies hugely; Orange or T-mobile do so without any
discussion needed, and on O2 not much problem either, but on Vodafone
they'll tell you at length that it's impossible, then it takes quite a
while of talking to a supervisor, and even if they switch it on it may
be turned off again a couple of weeks later or even sooner.

Many of the virtual brands are broadly similar, but may have shorter
cut-off times like 90 days, or need an actual chargeable event.

Virgin is said to be 12 months or longer, especially if it's on their
postpaid direct debit that otherwise looks more like pay as you go

3 just doesn't seem to expire, and they say it doesn't. I switched my
old contract SIM to payg, did nothing for 2 years, then got it on
their WePay tariff, and haven't used it for a couple more years.

On Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:08:50 +0100, andy <andy.ggrps@gmail.com> wrote:

<snip>
>
> Most networks have 6 months of non use as the cut-off, but they can be
> asked to turn them back on - the ease of doing this without getting
> into an argument varies hugely; Orange or T-mobile do so without any
> discussion needed, and on O2 not much problem either, but on Vodafone
> they'll tell you at length that it's impossible, then it takes quite a
> while of talking to a supervisor, and even if they switch it on it may
> be turned off again a couple of weeks later or even sooner.
>
<snip>

I've just received an "Orange Pre Activated Pack" which will never be
topped up but will be used in a "glovebox phone" that is very slowly
approaching zero balance on VM.

Has the countdown clock already started ticking (with no way of knowing
when) or will that clock only start when I first put the O SIM in a
handset and turn it on?

--
JonPhred