Got an emergency mobile phone? Check it's still got credit
The Inquirer reports on the possibly mean-spirited contracts imposed on Pay As You Go mobile phones by Vodafone (and probably other operators as well).
The small print on many contracts will often stipulate that if the phone is not used to make a billable call within 90 days, the credit will be taken back, and after 180 days, the SIM card will be disabled and the number reallocated.
Seems fair enough, you might think, given that these operators are running a business, not a charity, and that we should all be reading the teeny print on our mobile contracts.
Whilst the demographic of the Tech Digest readership might suggest that we’re a load of mobile fanatics, and would barely go 90 minutes without using our phones, it’s worth sparing a thought for those who have specifically been given a mobile phone to use in case of an emergency.
Thankfully, emergencies tend not to happen too often, but they could be made a lot work by finding that the potential lifeline has ceased to work.
Andrew Thomas got his money back and had his SIM card reactivated, but has a sneaking suspicion it’s because he’s a tech journalist and it’s good PR.
It may be worth checking out with anyone you know who has an ’emergency’ mobile. Even if they have to make a short telephone call every 3 months, it could be a lifesaver.
