PAYG vs Pay monthly SIMs

[Wildcat]

I have recently bought a PAYG SIM for an elderly relative for emergency use only (as they are an infrequent user), but I have found that the PAYG SIM does not make/receive calls, whereas a pay monthly SIM in the same phone, in exactly the same location, can make/receive calls. Can anyone tell me why this would be?

[Wildcat]

I'm not sure I follow, are you asking me to send a text containing the letters AL to 150?

[XRaySpeX]

Yes, exactly, from the SIM concerned.

[Wildcat]

I'd have to put that PAYG SIM in another phone as the Doro 780x can't send SMS messages, it is a very restricted phone (that's why i bought it as an emergency phone only)

[XRaySpeX]

Well, that'll be a start.

[Wildcat]

OK, the reply states verbatim:

Your current balance as of today 12:41 is £0.00. You have 499 minutes, unlimited texts, and 5.0GB remaining until 27/06/2022 for your £10 pack. Your remaining data includes  of rolled over data. Your last top up was £10.00 on 27/05/2022 at 21.15. For more info on your packs, add-ons or freeboosts, go to MyEE. ee.co.uk/mee

[Schockwave]

@Wildcat, can you check in settings that calls are not set to divert to voicemail, as that is what it sounds like?

[Wildcat]

the PAYG SIM works in another phone, can make and receive calls OK, so it must be the Doro 780x phone that's the problem. Thanks for your help.

[Wildcat]

Thanks Schockwave, all diverts are off. I've just tried to call that Doro 780x phone and i get a recorded message saying the persons phone is switched off, try again later

[XRaySpeX]

Looks like it.

[Schockwave]

@Wildcat , have you checked to make sure the person’s phone is not accidentally switched off, as that is what it sounds like?