Keeping It Open

[NJRumney]

I live in the USA and have been able to keep my PAYG SIM open by sending a text every six months.  It used to connect to the AT&T network.  However, in the last year it no longer connects to the network allowing me to send a text.  What’s happened?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@NJRumney 

Sending a text is no longer enough. You now need to make a call or top up every 6 months.

You'll need to contact O2 to reconnect you.

Message them on Social Media if that works best for you -on Facebook (https://o2uk.co/O2CFB) , Twitter (https://o2uk.co/O2CTW) or Instagram (https://o2uk.co/O2CIG)

[Enlli]

What type of phone? The USA has been turning off 2G and 3G last year. AT&T only run 4G or 5G.

You will need a phone capable of making VoLTE calls if you ever need to call. Text should be OK

[pgn]

Just to add to @Enlli's note above, this has been added to the O2 Forum Roaming Megaguide:

Calling from the USA

From 2023, you’ll be unable to use your UK mobile phone to make regular calls when visiting the USA because of changes to their mobile networks. However, you’ll be able to use your phone to make calls using the 4G network – provided you have a compatible phone.

Follow the steps listed here to check whether your phone is compatible, or you can find a list of compatible devices if you go here and click the link shown in the screenshot below the most up-to-date compatibility list.

If the device you have isn't compatible with 4G roaming, then you will be unable to make and receive calls when you're roaming in the USA. This down to USA network technology changes rather than anything on our side, or that O2 is in control of.

[NJRumney]

Thanks.  I’m using an iPhone 13.  If I put my SIM card in an iPhone 7, would it likely work?

[MI5]

@NJRumney 

As long as phone is unlocked, yes.