Can I keep my phone number with pay as you go?

[Qian-wang]

Hi, 

I am going to leave Uk around 6month, then I probably will back again.  So I want to keep my phone number until I return to uk. 

now, I am using pay as you go and pay £10 per month. 

My question is:

1. Can I keep my number without any pay？ 

  （1）If yes, when I come back, should I pay bills for 6 months before I can use my phone number?

   (2) if no, what should I do? Is there a way to stop all the service of sim and still keep the number?

thank you. 

[XRaySpeX · Accepted solution]

@Qian-wang :

1. Yes. To save the SIM going into hibernation due to lack of use, just remember within every 179 days (~ 6 months) to make a chargeable action like making a chargeable call or text, topping up or buying a Pack or Add-on, not just using your mins, texts or data from any Pack or Add-on you might have.
   1. You've no need to top-up or buy packs while you're away. When you get back you just carry on as before.
   2. Text STOP PACK to 150 to avoid buying packs while away. If you have a recurring top-up from a bank card then cancel it.