Use it or lose it - cellphone number recycling in South Africa

[Jan]

Use it or lose it - SIM card and data rules in South Africa

If you don’t use a SIM card or recharge it with airtime or data every few months, there is a good chance your mobile network will disconnect you and recycle your number.

 

[Stokstert]

Vodacom deactivated my number after only three months of nonuse 2 years ago.

 

[PhireSide]

Why can't an incoming call declare the SIM as 'in use'? Why MUST it be an outgoing SMS, data link or call that tells the network that it's in use?

 

[zizo911]

Why can't an incoming call declare the SIM as 'in use'? Why MUST it be an outgoing SMS, data link or call that tells the network that it's in use?

Spam.

 

[PhireSide]

Spam.

This I can understand if the call doesn't connect because the SIM us unpowered and lying in a beside table drawer. But if the call is answered then surely it means the SIM is active?

 

[Mr Scratch]

Really don't agree with SIM recycling but I understand the need.

 

[CeeBee]

what else is new? MTN has been recycling prepaid sims even when in use, airtime on, frequently used in onboard laptop modem, had 2 sims recently, (allocated to Afrihost service), just go offline, no more registered on MTN network. then have to go get new sims, re-rica, load AH data again

 

[Thor]

Why can't an incoming call declare the SIM as 'in use'? Why MUST it be an outgoing SMS, data link or call that tells the network that it's in use?

Profits.

Vodacon wants profit.

But Jan Spin will tell you otherwise.

 

[cavedog]

You know your MTN simcard is about to expire when you get a sms "Yello, Recharge now and get 3x recharge value free airtime" 3 or 4 times a day.....

 

[Former member 61586]

The problem I have with this, is that when I do load airtime onto my MTN SIM, it disappears within a month. So it's basically like paying a subscription service to keep the service active.

 

[kgotson]

I have a RICA related question, not sure if anyone here can answer it. Now lets say one gets a new prepaid Sim Card from Network A, after a few months they decide to Network B. Once they go dormant on Network B, once the Number is recycled, does it fall into Network B's pool of potential numbers or Network A as the original provider? Would appreciate any answer from anyone, thanks.

 

[Swa]

Spam.

Imo even registering on a tower should mark a sim as in-use. Funny how the networks claimed that buying data bundles meant "using" your airtime and as such wasn't applicable to the 3 year expiry rule but when it suits them they can deactivate a sim with an active data bundle. Maybe Icasa should also take a look at this while they are looking at expiring bundles.

I have a RICA related question, not sure if anyone here can answer it. Now lets say one gets a new prepaid Sim Card from Network A, after a few months they decide to Network B. Once they go dormant on Network B, once the Number is recycled, does it fall into Network B's pool of potential numbers or Network A as the original provider? Would appreciate any answer from anyone, thanks.

Under MNP rules it always belongs to the original network it was allocated to.

 

[ebendl]

Anybody know what is the rules for CellC and Telkom Mobile? Do I need an active outgoing activity or can I schedule an automatic airtime topup?

 

[Mr Justice]

Where is the consumer protector and icasa on this issue? If the sim and number is registered to a person and possibly linked to their bank account this modus operandi should not be allowed. Also credits are real money.

I think cellphone providers should first make contact with users before cancelling to give them an opportunity to generate activity. This system needs change!

 

[Dolby]

I've think I've had a number on my profile for 3 or 4 years that I don't use / never used .

They can start with me !