barring my handset

[rbc321]

if my bill isnt paid for long enough can o2 block/bar my handset or only my number?

is there any case they would block the  handset 

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@rbc321 

Your handset would only be barred if you reported it lost or stolen.

Non payment of bills results in your account being barred.

[Bambino]

@rbc321  A friendly word of advice. If your account is barred because on non-payment, and you're thinking of just ignoring it and getting a sim from another provider, think twice before you go down that road. If you don't pay O2, a negative report will be generated on your credit rating, and you will have problems associated with that for years. O2 are ruthless when it comes to non-payers, and they will eventually hand your account over to a debt collection agency. Just thought you should know this.