Networks that De-activate for Non-Use?

Roland_Flagg

I need a PAYG network for my back-up phone.
I was using Tesco but they de-activated the number for non-use.

So, I need someone cheap, who will let you keep you
credit for as long as you want.

So, which networks are the best for this,
and which de-activate or wipe out your
credit after a certain time?

Is Giff-Gaff my best option?

grumbler

The longest allowed inactivity you can find is 180 days and it is the case for the majority of providers. At least one chargeable call is required to keep the sim active.

Having said that, my Tesco sim-card remains inactive with £0 balance (a few incoming calls only) since mid-December and is still alive.

bengalknights

All networks require you to either make or receive a call or text to keep your phone alive, i find easiest method is to just send a text from a free website to the phone once in a while keeps it alive and costs nothing.

billsavings

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3155106

Stuart_W

Roland_Flagg wrote: »

I need a PAYG network for my back-up phone.
I was using Tesco but they de-activated the number for non-use.

So, I need someone cheap, who will let you keep you
credit for as long as you want.

So, which networks are the best for this,
and which de-activate or wipe out your
credit after a certain time?

Is Giff-Gaff my best option?

You're not the first person to be under the impression that giffgaff credit will last forever.

Their terms and conditions are similar to everyone elses - if your SIM is not used for any activity, it may be disconnected after 180 days. A handful of the minor players (Lebara etc) have a shorter disconnection time.

There are plenty of examples on these boards of both Virgin and Tesco customers not being disconnected after this time - but it both cases it is still in the terms and conditions, so the providers do have the right to, and may choose to act upon this in the future, so you cannot rely on the current experience of others in these instances.