Keeping a sim alive?

[koffiejunkie]

I have a vodacom sim card that I use for mobile connectivity when I'm in S.A. (once or twice a year). Every time the sim is dead and I have to buy a new one, which is a bit of a hassle. I guess even more so with Rica.

Does anyone know how to keep one of these alive? Is using it periodically while overseas enough?

 

[bwana]

Using it every so often to send or receive even a sms should be enough.

 

[davemc]

[-]Keep some cash in it, like R100.[/-]

 

[MikeCTZA]

As far as I recall when I looked into this for my Mom, you need to get or make/send a call or a SMS at least once every 7 months then your number will stay active. Just double checked ... from here:

http://www.vodacom.co.za/vodacom/misc/terms+and+conditions/Prepaid+Terms+and+Conditions/General+Prepaid?selected=

1. Validity - The credit value of this voucher is valid for the airtime window on the voucher from the date of redemption (the date the credit value is deposited into your prepaid account). In the unlikely event that you are inactive (not making, sending or receiving a single revenue generating voice call, data call or SMS) for 7 months, your connection to the Vodacom Network will be terminated and your cellular number and remaining credit will be forfeited. Roaming activity, voicemail retrievals and recharging will be regarded as activity. Calls free of charge will not be seen as activite

If you know you will be out of SA for a long time (longer than 7 months) you could enable SMS Roaming (send ROAMON to 123) and send a message now and then, and disable it (ROAMOFF to 123) when you get back. That has to be done when in SA.

Hope the info helps. Just incase I wouldn't leave too much airtime on the phone.

 

[davemc]

Thanks for that MikeCTZA.

 

[ld13]

Register your number with Google calendar and let it send you an SMS about some random event every few months. It is an incoming SMS imo so that should keep the thing active

 

[koffiejunkie]

Thanks guys. Too late for my last sim but at least the next one should last

 

[BigAl-sa]

The big problem with VC is their stupid "airtime window". Every time you put money on the SIM you get a certain amount of time in the airtime window. Once the airtime window expires, so does the SIM. Happened twice to my missus as she only uses her phone for emergencies (the airtime window expired long before the cash). So we switched her to MTN, which only requires that you use the SIM once every three months.

I'm not sure whether this has changed in the light of the quote from MikeCTZA, but it was a pain in the butt, especially seeing your money disappear into the bitbucket in the sky.

 

[koffiejunkie]

Yeah, that should be illegal. It's just a way to steal your money. Your sim *should* stay active until your funds are depleted. South Africans are still getting shafted in the behind.

 

[MikeCTZA]

... Once the airtime window expires, so does the SIM ...
I'm not sure whether this has changed in the light of the quote from MikeCTZA, but it was a pain in the butt, especially seeing your money disappear into the bitbucket in the sky.

I agree, there used to be a thing called a Vodacom Incomer which was the airtime window for 365days or you got X days per recharge, and was regardless of if you used the phone or not, I think. I tried to find out the info for my Mom a year or so ago (she has her phone off and only uses in emergency so hardly ever) and got blank stares and people saying huh? when I tried asking at Vodashops/111 so ... I can't be 100% sure of the info but was from the Vodacom site so guessing it is correct and the other way was a while back. Maybe one of the people who are VC reps/involved will comment on this thread.