Sim only renewal - why am I sent a replacement sim and do I need to use it?

[TheNodge]

I have three phones on SIm only due for renewal, two of which are for our grown up children who live miles away.  I would like to renew but online it says I get sent a new SIM card. This would be a problem for our children if essential. Can I just renew, keep the existing sim and ignore the one sent through? Thank you!

[XRaySpeX]

When you say "renewal" do you mean upgrade? Mobile contracts don't need to be renewed. They just carry on on a 30 day notice basis until you explicitly cancel or upgrade them. 

[TheNodge]

Thanks for coming back so quickly. And yes - it is same number, same phone number and an upgrade to the current sim package which finishes soon. 
thanks again

[bristolian]

Changing the payment plan on a line is just that - a change of payment plan using the existing SIM.

Just make sure you've not inadvertently requested a new line with a new contract, as that would also explain a new SIM being sent.

[TheNodge]

Thank you - I was slightly spooked by the absence of any optionality - no new line and a new sim to be posted! 

[Michael_D · Accepted solution]

Hi @TheNodge 

If you do find that new SIM cards arrive, you won't need to use them, as the current ones will carry on working and the new plan will be updated in the background. 

You'd only need a new SIM if it was a new contract as @bristolian mentioned, but if there are no new numbers showing on your account, your children can just carry on as they are now.

Michael