PAYG SIM only not used often

John_Smith_2019

I have a mobile phone (smartphone) that I use, but not often. Factory unlocked.
I only send a few texts a month and hardly any calls.

I'm looking for a SIM card that I can put about £30 credit on and then just leave it, without the credit disappearing if not used - when the phone is switched off for a few weeks etc.

I don't really mind if the texts and cost per minute is more expensive, because I don't use it often.
What I really don't want is for my number to be deleted by the network operator for inactivity.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

John

Neil49

Three 321 sim card on payg. Load up with £10.

Just send a text message every 3 months to keep it active and it will run for years.

Mister_G

Or O2 Classic PAYG. Same pricing as Three, coverage may be better and only need to make a chargeable call every 6 months.

John_Smith_2019

Mister_G wrote: »

Or O2 Classic PAYG. Same pricing as Three, coverage may be better and only need to make a chargeable call every 6 months.

Does it have a minimum activity period?

Mister_G

John_Smith_2019 wrote: »

Does it have a minimum activity period?

No, as long as you make that call or text every 6 months

John_Smith_2019

Thanks for the replies.

6 months minimum activity should be fine.
I recently found an old mobile that I hadn't used for years. Turned it on and the Tesco SIM was still working fine. So obviously that had no minimum activity period.

mobilejunkie

It may have. Just because there is one doesn't mean it will activate - though I wouldn't take the chance. My ancient Vodafone sim requires a text every 269 days, though texts and calls are very expensive. To be sure, you have to check the exact t&c of your sim.

RichardD1970

Neil49 wrote: »

Three 321 sim card on payg. Load up with £10.

Just send a text message every 3 months to keep it active and it will run for years.

On my son's 123 account info, on Account Balance, under "Valid until" it says "won't expire"

d123

Neil49 wrote: »

Three 321 sim card on payg. Load up with £10.

Just send a text message every 3 months to keep it active and it will run for years.

Three is the same as o2, it’s a chargeable action every 6 months to stay active.

HoofeHearted

Mister_G wrote: »

Or O2 Classic PAYG. Same pricing as Three, coverage may be better and only need to make a chargeable call every 6 months.

I am on this tariff and was told that I had to top up (Minimum £10) every 6 months. If I don't, my sim and phone number will cease.


https://www.o2.co.uk/help/pay-as-you-go/classic-pay-as-you-go

eDicky

RichardD1970 wrote: »

On my son's 123 account info, on Account Balance, under "Valid until" it says "won't expire"

The credit won't expire, but the SIM itself with its phone number and any credit on the account will expire if it's not used for more than six months.