Classic pay as you go

[Angevin]

Am I right that the terms for Classic PAYG Tariff have changed meaning that even if you make one call in a 6 month period your number will be disconnected unless you top up or have a bolt on? In effect you are being forced to have a bolt on for a months duration as a minimum or pay £10 to top up in order to keep your number?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@Angevin 

The website does state that but the actual requirement is still a call or text at least once every 6 months and a top up every 999 days.

As long as the sim is seen to be in use, it won't be disconnected.

[Angevin]

Many thanks MI5 for your reply which is appreciated as I only use the PAYG phone occasionally and which is kept in the car for emergencies.

[MI5]

Just text youself if you don't have any other need to text @Angevin 

[jonsie]

Some customers have reported that customer serice have told them a call is needed after each 3 month period

As far as we know that is incorrect and the active period is 6 months

[KeithR]

As I've seen conflicting views on this question, I thought I would write an actual letter to O2 in the hope of getting a definitive answer. The reply from the O2 Correspondence Team (dated 19/09/20) says "As your usage is very limited, I would request you to please make a short chargeable call and top up at least once in 6 months to keep the sim active".

It being 5 months since my last topup and at the risk of losing my mobile number, I may just offer myself up as a sacrificial test case!

[MI5]

Yes, I'm sure they would love you to top up every 6 months whether needed or not

[KeithR]

So, having too much time on my hands, I rang O2 Customer Service for another definitive view. I was told I had to make a call every month and topup every 6 months. So, I questioned this and, after the lady went away for 2-3 minutes to check, she then said there was no need to top up every 6 months, but maintained that I have to call/text every 'couple of months'.

I think I trust you, MI5, more on this!

[MI5]

It's from my own experience @KeithR 

and also my experience with customer service

[littlelinn]

Angevin I use my PAYG phone exactly like you and was cut off a couple of weeks ago. I had used text 4 times in the 6 month period because I was lead to believe by customer service that they counted. When I rang  them yesterday I was told text /messages do not count as they are not registered as a chargeable action. Because I had been given false info he kindy reinstated me. He did not say anything about topping up. If they dont know the rules how are we to know?