in USA for 6 months for work

[DgAllo]

Hello - my work requires me to be in USA for next 6 months - what is the most cost effective way to maintain my EE account, as I will be returning to UK after that 6 months and want to keep my phone number? TIA

[bristolian]

Your reference to "account" implies you're on pay-monthly, in which case how long do you have left of your minimum contractual term?

[DgAllo]

contract ended Sep '22

[bristolian]

Being outside your minimum term gives you a few options

1: Continue paying your monthly subscription, use your existing plan in the US and pay roaming costs as per https://ee.co.uk/help/help-new/roaming-costs - this would be expensive.

2: Add the £25/month roaming pass to allow use of your UK allowances in the US, but be aware of the Stable Links Policy which broadly requires residence in the UK for 2months  in every 4. This is a risky long-term choice.

3: Give 30days cancellation notice on your pay-monthly contract and convert your number into a PAYG one. Ensure you a) Use that new PAYG line after cancellation and before travelling, b) Ensure you incur charges on that new PAYG line at least once every 6months. This is probably your safest choice, but the 2 highlighted points are crucial.

[Schockwave]

@DgAllo , just to add, if on monthly contract, make sure that you have roaming enabled on your account, no need to do this if you decide to go for pay as you go, as roaming is automatically enabled.