PAYG for occasional use - what time-limits?

br1anstorm

I am looking at options for a spare PAYG phone for occasional or emergency use. So I just want a free SIM, and don't need bundles or add-ons.

It is very hard to find out from the various Ts&Cs what each company's time-limit is before they suspend or deactivate such an account. Most providers appear to require at least one call (or text) every six months to keep the number active. Some suspend the number if it isn't used for three months.

This is not too bad if the provider sends you a notification or alert. But some suspend, and then close low-usage accounts permanently without warning .... and keep the money!

Is there any provider which
(a) has no minimum-call requirement and allows you to keep your credit indefinitely; or, failing that,
(b) which providers promise to notify you before suspending or deactivating your account?

Jon_01

All networks allow you to keep your credit as long as you make use of it. 6 months is the minimum, some give you 12 months. Just make a call for a few seconds every 5 months and you're safe.

None of them will alert you. Most of the sim that's aren't used are left in draws or lost/destroyed so, from their point of view, there's no point. Also if you only turn on your phone to use it once every few months how are they going to let you know?

grumbler

Cheapest, Longest Expiry for a PAYG SIM?
payg for occasional use / without monthly topup / ?
Networks that De-activate for Non-Use?
PAYG with longest expiry date
Longest PAYG Credit Expiry?
Which PAYG lasts longest unused?

macman

How difficult is it to set a reminder to send one text or make one call every 3 months or so?

youravinalarrrf

Cheap as chips @ £8.48 delivered!

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/vodafone-vf345-mobile-phone-white-only-8-48-delivered-argos-ebay-outlet-1057186

Get an unlock code for it @ £0.99 from here

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNLOCKING-VODAFONE-VF345-345-UNLOCK-CODE-/270671233938

Then get a GiffGaff SIM card (runs on the O2 network) for free with £5 extra credit when you activate the card and topup with £10 to start. (Free GiffGaff to GiffGaff calls and texts if you topup every 3 months if not calls and texts are charged at their standard rate.)

http://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Join-Considering-giffgaff/Want-someone-to-send-you-a-SIM-card-Look-here/td-p/377151

That's a basic phone with calls and text capability (no camera or internet) with £15 credit on it for under £20!

All you have to do is to remember to charge the phone regularly for the odd time you may need to use it and make at least one call or text every 6 months to keep the account alive.

Bargain!

br1anstorm

grumbler wrote: »

Cheapest, Longest Expiry for a PAYG SIM?
payg for occasional use / without monthly topup / ?
Networks that De-activate for Non-Use?
PAYG with longest expiry date
Longest PAYG Credit Expiry?
Which PAYG lasts longest unused?

Grumbler.... is your middle name Google? Thanks for that checklist. As a conscientious member I had searched before posting, but not with quite the same range of search terms!

All the info and advice I could have wished for. Looks like 180 days is standard, with some providers having shorter time-limits. Hey ho, I'll get a new SIM - and tie a knot in my handkerchief as a reminder...

grumbler

br1anstorm wrote: »

...I'll ... tie a knot in my handkerchief as a reminder...

Google Calendar
New event
Repeat >> Weekly >> Every 24 weeks

It will send you a e-mail.

jhp

grumbler wrote: »

Google Calendar
New event
Repeat >> Weekly >> Every 24 weeks

It will send you a e-mail.

Or you could use this service to remind you http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cards/credit-card-tart