Mobile phones

[sprayermick]

If you have a mobile phone on PAYG and all of the credit has run out you cannot make calls (except emergency) but can you still receive calls?

[SeaJayPea]

Yes. At least, I can. Don't know if there's a cut-off point where it stops, though.

[Old_Geezer]

Not 100% sure but I'd suggest yes, since they get revenue from the caller not the called, and would be foolish to throw that income away on principle.

[sprayermick]

Thanks for tour answers so far, the reason I ask is because I know somebody who now lives in a care home who we like to phone from time to time the problem is that a lot of the patients there suffer with dementia and tend to walk into other peoples rooms and I just don't want people using the phone and then having to keep topping up the credit, I know you can put on pin numbers Etc. but it would be easier just to have no credit..

[ChuckFickens]

Most providers will cancel the service if an outgoing call isn't made for a certain amount of time, O2 state 90 days in their terms, other providers may have different times stated.

[Old_Geezer]

That is an outcall is it Chuck, and not just activity of some sort ? It's just that I'd have thought as long as it was profitable to keep the account on the database it would make sense to leave it there.

[ChuckFickens]

Just checked and O" seem to be saying 6months now (sure it used to be 3)

The precise words are:
"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. "

http://www.o2.co.uk/t...erms-are-worth-a-read

[ChuckFickens]

Tmobile state "you must make a connection action at least once every 180 days, if you do not your SIM will be disconnected"

They define a "connection action" as topping up the phone or making a chargeable call.

I guess the correct answer for SM is to check the terms and conditions of whichever provider they plan on using.