Prison Time

[Jake77]

Hi, I have a friend in prison. He was sentenced to a year in prison and his phone was taken by authorities last September for the duration of his imprisonment. He tries to find out how long his phone will remain active without making or receiving any calls. He has had the same phone number for 17 years and would really like to keep it and use it after he leaves prison. His phone number is with O2. Will his phone number be taken away from him or will he be able to keep it? I will try to find out today from him if he is on pay monthly or pay as you go. However, I am not sure what a difference would it make.

[Cleoriff · Accepted solution]

@Jake77 
The difference between pay monthly and pay as you go is:

Pay monthly is tied to a contract which should be paid every month by direct debit.

If not paid he will be defaulting on his contract and after numerous attempts by O2 to recover payments, the debt collectors will be sent to his address. Guide: How to Pay Your Bill (Airtime & Device Plans) 

PAYG

If you don't top up, or add a Bolt On at least once in any six month period, your mobile will be disconnected and you'll lose any credit on your account. If you want to be reconnected you'll be given a new mobile number.

Guide How to Top Up (PAYG)  So if you know the number you can top up the phone using a voucher.