PAYG Classic

[StupidQuestion]

I have had a classic 1-2-3 PAYG for about 3 years, in that time I've only used around £12-£13 credit.  I have recently heard of someone being cut off for not topping up within 6 months, and am getting a bit twitchy about possibly losing my number. Can anyone confirm if making occasional calls is still enough to keep my sim active?  Or will my next topup somehow trigger this "new" t&c of having to top up every 6 months?

(I last topped up sometime in 2020, and my phone is still working so far!)

TIA

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@StupidQuestion 

On your tariff, ,one call every 6 months is all that is needed.

The top up requirement is for big bundle tariffs.

[StupidQuestion]

Wow, that was quick!  I didn't expect an instant reply - thank you!

I thought that was the case, but just got a bit worried because the post I read (on MSE) said that O2 customer service stated the deactivation was for not topping up, and wouldn't reinstate the number.  Thanks for the reassurance

[MI5]

@StupidQuestion 

It was lucky. I'd just logged in when you posted.

Don't worry about what CS says these days...... They no very little about how O2 works.

[StupidQuestion]

Thanks 😊

[MI5]

Welcome mate.

[Somebodyelse]

On another website, we've been a bit alarmed by the same thing, the belief being that O2 have changed it to 6 monthly top-ups to avoid losing your number and credit. I know in the past that a chargeable call or text every six months would keep your Sim active, do you know if O2 changed their T&Cs, or is it the same misunderstanding being perpetuated? Reassure me again that it's still one chargeable call or text per six months pleassse!

[MI5]

@Somebodyelse 

On the classic PAYG you need to make a call at least once every 6 months. A top up is required at least once every 999 days.

No other activity is acceptable - it must be a chargeable call too, ie, no freephone numbers.

On Bundle tariffs you need to top up to make a call as bundles only last for 30 days, hence the requirement is to top up at least once every 6 months to be able to make a call.

[Somebodyelse]

Thank you so much,that has eased my mind considerably. I shall pass on the information to others in our group. Your kindness is appreciated.

[StupidQuestion]

Ah - I don't think I knew about the 999 day top-up requirement.  I can't remember the exact date I bought my top-up, but I feel like it was probably more than 999 days ago.

(Unless the free £5 bonus credit I got when I registered on the website counts as a top-up?  IIRC, that was a couple of months later.)