Do you know that if a SIM card can be de-activated by the provider … simply because it isn’t regularly used?
Even if you’re only using the SIM to receive calls or text messages, or on wi-fi to use the internet and email, all SIM providers require you to make at least 1 chargeable call or text from your SIM credit every few months.
If your SIM goes 180 days (for most networks) without spending any credit, they can disconnect your it, usually after sending a text to the device to alert you (but they’re not required to do so!)
One of my clients was affected by this limitation when her plan to travel with the phone was postponed beyond 180 days and as a result the phone with SIM remained powered off in the box. By the time she took it out, the SIM card was dead.
How can you avoid this potential issue?
You need to have available credit during the period and use it to make at least 1 chargeable call or text every few months, so even a brief call or text message to business or person would keep your SIM alive
Most SIM cards become active as soon as you put them in the phone, starting the 180 days of required activity (of most networks)
In helping one of my clients on Monday, I have learned that some network providers can provide an inactive SIM. So I will be getting her an EE one I can put inside her Doro phone (to activate and use whenever she goes abroad)
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