Is there a PAYG that doesn't cut you off if you don't use/top up?

ann.chil

My elderly father only needs a mobile phone for emergencies (if he remembers to take it LOL), and for when he picks me up at the train station - one every 6 weeks or so, just in case my train is delayed.

He's not made a call on it for several years, can just cope with switching it on and answering it !!

So, every so often, it loses it's credit, and I have to go through a long-winded process to get it re-instated, and put more money on it.

Therefore, I would like to change it to a tariff that doesn't expire or eat up his money just because he hasn't used it. Is there one?

Thanks

grumbler

None providers cut you off for not topping up.
All providers normally cut you off if you don't make/send a chargeable call/text at least once every 6 months. IIRC, for some networks it even shorter than 6 months, but at Giffgaff it can be an incoming call/text.

NFH

Orange SIM cards can be kept active merely by an incoming call every six months. Another advantage of Orange is micro top-ups. You can top up by as little as 10p.

Therefore add £1 of credit for emergencies and phone him at least once every six months and it should work fine.

Buzby

On Orange, if an incoming call is not a 'chargeable event' then it does not count and he SIM will be automatically disconnected.

There is no discretion, as it is an OFCOM requirement, all PAYG SIM must prove they are in use (not simply be in credit). So a chargeable call or text every 160 days is the safest way to ensure the phone is not blocked and the remaining credit lost.

NFH

Buzby wrote: »

On Orange, if an incoming call is not a 'chargeable event' then it does not count and he SIM will be automatically disconnected.

Where do you get this drivel from? Orange's terms and conditions for PAYG have stated very clearly for several years:

3.4 We will disconnect your Device if during the previous six months, you have not Registered a new Top Up or you have not made chargeable calls from your Device or received incoming calls on your Device.

grumbler

I don't remember checking this personally, but there were reports about some recent changes at Orange:

AndysDad wrote: »

From November 15th Received calls no longer count on new PAYG sims.I think as long as the sim was registered before then ,then its ok.Its in the new T&C's:mad:

I wouldn't be surprised though if Orange keep changing the T&C.

pingu

i have a BT sim card think got it when they gave it away free with £10 credit years ago cant even remember when still works just checked it!

grumbler

My Tesco sim is alive after 2.5 years and I never topped it up (only few incoming calls). However, this is unpredictable and you cannot rely on this if you really need to keep the mobile alive and especially if you don't want to lose the number.

fb1969

How about the Tesco Lite tariff http://phone-shop.tesco.com/tesco-mobile/help-and-support/call-charges-payg-litetariff.aspx?cid=aff_1790409

Stick £10 on it and send a text once a month (or at least once every six months, or when you see him) and at 4p each it will cost less than 50p a year to keep active. I am sure others will suggest other networks/tariff, but this is just an example.

SailorSam

I'm with Grumbler, i've got Tesco Payg and hardly use it. i'm sure i don't need to get top-ups. The only thing you do to get around it is use your mobile once every few months to dial your home land line then once you answer hang up.

jfdi

Virgin PAYG isn't bad for this type of useage.