Pay as you go SIM - non expiring

[pvr]

I am building a unit in a car that requires a SIM card as it communicates with the outside world via SMS messages.

However, I can't find a SIM that does not expire without topping up. Is anyone aware of a SIM that can be charged once say with a tenner, and that can be used for say 3 years without topping up?

 

[klarky]

Don't think so, all the ones I know of require an outbound call to be made at least once very 90 days. Reason for this is numbers that aren't being used are recycled and assigned to new customers as there are only a finite about of numbers that someone like vodafone want to keep in service.

 

[sk93]

Tesco are good, if you ring that sim once every six months (eg, you don't have to MAKE a call from the sim.. just RECEIVE one).

 

[pvr]

The SIM will be used, and can be used (i.e. I can force the unit to send an SMS). Just that I see on the web sites that you have to top up the SIM with at least xxx amount of pounds to avoid it being cancelled (and lose all credit).

 

[klarky]

A quick google brought up a few mentions of mobile broadband sims that have longer expiry dates, but it was still only 270 days

 

[sk93]

The SIM will be used, and can be used (i.e. I can force the unit to send an SMS). Just that I see on the web sites that you have to top up the SIM with at least xxx amount of pounds to avoid it being cancelled (and lose all credit).

You dont have to do that for Tesco or T-Mobile.
I've got a T-Mobile PAYG and all I have to do is ring home every six months to make sure it's still active.

 

[pvr]

Ok, let me check the T-mobile site if the credit does not expire.

 

[srhutch]

What's this for, to open your gates?

 

[PawnSacrifice]

I have a Vodafone 3G dongle, removable SIM. Not sure if it does calls. Anyway, the credit doesn't expire - why I moved from 3. I don't use it that often, if you want to test it I'll pop it in the post for you.

 

[Siftah]

I am building a unit in a car that requires a SIM card as it communicates with the outside world via SMS messages.

However, I can't find a SIM that does not expire without topping up. Is anyone aware of a SIM that can be charged once say with a tenner, and that can be used for say 3 years without topping up?

Fairly sure the credit on 3 PAYG sims doesn't expire - I have one that I use occasionally as a backup and no problems yet anyway...

 

[pvr]

Forgot to update - I did find one from T-mobile.

And Srhutch - it is not in any of my cars so no gate opening stuff.

 

[sk93]

Forgot to update - I did find one from T-mobile.

 

[pvr]

Forgot to add that I had to find a provider that is based in The Netherlands as well.

Thanks for that sk93, the deal was €6.95 for the sim and €15 credit.

 

[sk93]

Forgot to add that I had to find a provider that is based in The Netherlands as well.

Thanks for that sk93, the deal was €6.95 for the sim and €15 credit.

Really?? I got mine straight from T-Mobile on the old "get a free simcard" deal.
Kind of worrying to think that you had such a hard time finding one. :thumbsdown:

 

[pvr]

Sorry - did not make that clear. The €6.95 SIM cost included the €15 credit.

Basically, this device talks to your normal mobile phone via SMS and works as a tracker as well as a general "where did I leave my car" device

 

[srhutch]

So you lost your car did you oke:

 

[pvr]

As I said, it is not for my car.

Perhaps Mrs srhutch commissioned me to keep tabs on you oke:

 

[sk93]

So you lost your car did you oke:

:rofl:

 

[srhutch]

As I said, it is not for my car.

That's what they all say oke: