Mobile services

[MHTBH]

Hi there

I've had my mobile for 18 years or thereabouts.  At the moment I am overseas but I regularly check my mobile for texts and that it has enough credit.   On Thursday I tried to log in to check my credit and couldn't log in because my phone has been deactivated.

Please can you tell me how I can get it re-instated.

Thank you very much.

[MHTBH]

I should add that this is a pre-pay mobile, not on a plan.

[coffeebaron]

When did you last add credit?

[MHTBH]

16 December 2016 -  I live mostly in the UK and send occasional texts to keep it active.

I log into Vodafone to check my balance regularly and there was still credit there.

I need the phone for when I'm in NZ because this is the only way friends and family can contact me.

If Vodafone decide to de-activate a mobile why don't they send a text first asking if you want to keep it active or not?

[MHTBH]

My mobile seems to have been de-activated at the same time as I closed my now defunct ihug account with Vodafone.  

Co-incidence ?

[coffeebaron]

As per PrePay Ts&Cs, account must be topped up at least once every 12 months to remain active. If account is not topped up within 12 months, you lose credit, then 1 month later, account is deactivated. If you talk nice to staff at Vodafone, it is sometimes possible to get your number back - but certainly not guaranteed.

[MHTBH]

Thanks this is really helpful.  

No. 1 - top up with small amounts rather than one large

No. 2 - I bought my mobile 18 years ago so have forgotten T&C's - note to myself to regularly check for updates.

[MHTBH]

Coffeebaron

One other thing I would like to say, for many older people like myself a mobile is there as a lifeline, not something we use every day and I think Vodafone should take that into account.  The least they can do is text us and ask if we still want our mobile to remain active. 

[sebastianbd]

There are two warning SMS sent prior to the disconnection of a prepay mobile in this manner, one warning of the credit expiry, and then one a month later warning of disconnection..

[MHTBH]

Hi sebastianbd

Interesting because I haven't received any SMS notices.