4GEE mini not connecting - no service/invalid SIM

[Jon137]

I bought a 4GEE mini Wi-Fi with 120GB data preloaded back in March. I’ve been using it regularly since, but it now has stopped connecting. The web interface says it’s not connected to the mobile network, the signal led is red. I still have 40GB data left, and it’s supposed to last up to 12 months. 

How do I get service back?

[James_B]

Hi @Jon137,

Welcome to the EE Community. 🙂

When did you last use it?

James

[Jon137]

4 or 5 weeks ago. 

[XRaySpeX]

Sounds like your PAYG SIM has gone into hibernation.

When did you last use it for a chargeable action? EE PAYG SIMs are deactivated after 6 months of non-use. You then have a further 3 months to call EE to reactivate it before it is lost completely.

You needed 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 your pack.

[Jon137]

It’s a 4GEE Wi-Fi mini with 120GB preloaded that should last 12 months. I can’t make calls from it, not going to be sending texts from a router, and I wouldn’t top it up unless I’ve run out data. I still have 40+ GB of data left, it was activated March 2022 so should be fine u til March next year. It’s been working fine since I got it, until I tried this week. 

I haven’t seen anywhere I have to top up within 6 months. 

this is the item:

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/5662364?clickSR=slp:term:ee%204g%20120gb%204gee%20wifi:1:3:1

[XRaySpeX]

The SIM in it comes under PAY AS YOU GO CONNECTED DATA SIM PLANS :

If you don’t use data top up every 180 days, you will be disconnected
and you’ll lose any unused allowances on your account.

[Jon137]

So to make use of the data I’ve already paid for I must may more money for data I don’t yet know if I’ll need. If I’m buying 120GB for 12 months surely I should be able to get full use of the product I’ve bought without having to pay out more money?

Customer service were able to reactivate my SIM, so it’s working again but suggested I top up £10 or it may disappear again. 

[XRaySpeX]

Yes, ridiculous isn't it to apply the 180 day hibernation condition to prepaid SIMs with 6 or more months connected data on them!

All PAYG SIMs are also subject to EE pay as you go network T&Cs :

6.3 You must make a Connection Action at least once every 180 days. If You do not, Your SIM Card will be disconnected from the Network and You will not be able to use the Services. You will lose Your mobile phone number and any Credit on Your Account at the time of such disconnection will be forfeited.