Does Credit Expire? Or are there hidden charges when roaming?

[jacko]

I have Talkalot PAYGo and just a regular (not smart) phone.

I spend most of my time in Thailand coming to UK twice a year, topping up about £20 each trip. I always kept a healthy credit of about £70.....

When in Thailand I just put the phone and SIM in a drawer,switching it on occasionally for a few minutes and getting the usual roaming text messages. It automatically connected to the same network each time.

Then I started using the 'old phone' daily for an hour as a timer while watering my garden. It connected but the roaming messages stopped, then I noticed it was on 'Limited Service'.

I checked, my healthy credit had gone to zero.... I received no calls, made no calls and no text messages came in or out. Where has my money gone? Local connection charge? Credit expiry? Who knows?

Remember this is not a smart phone, just a Samsung D900, so no data usage. I am unwilling to Top-Up now as it may just be taken too!

[jonsie · Accepted solution]

When did you last use the phone?

You need to make a chargeable call in any 6 month period otherwise the sim is disconnected and the number reclaimed.

Depending how long the sim has been disconnected, o2 may reconnect it for you and return the credit but you need to speak to them or use the online chat option on the main support page.

[jacko · Accepted solution]

You are correct that I haven't made a call for just over 6 months..... but this has been the case before and I did not have a problem. I also checked on-line and my number is still there and it is just telling me to top-up. (Rather not if the money may just vanish)

[jacko]

YOU were right!

[jonsie · Accepted solution]

Hope you got it sorted. Let us know if got your credit back.

[jacko]

Yes credit refunded, I am a happy camper.

[jacko]

Oh no not again!

[jacko]

They have just cancelled my SIM and took the credit off me AGAIN!

Have been trying to get onto live chat for ages!!!

[namsupo]

Sorry to bump an old thread but I can't find anywhere on the O2 website the rule about "having to make a chargeable call every 6 months" to prevent the number expiring. Is that definitely the case? And I don't suppose you know if sending a text counts? Or does it have to actually be a call?

Thanks!

[adamtemp64]

7. Our Rights to Bar or Disconnect Your Mobile Phone

7.1. If you do not make or receive a chargeable call at least once in any 6 month period your Mobile Phone will be disconnected and you will lose any remaining credits balance on your Account. If you wish to be re-connected after this time you will be given a new Mobile Phone number.

source http://www.o2.co.uk/termsandconditions/mobile/on-pay-and-go-our-service-terms-are-worth-a-read