Cant make calls, text or use data in Europe. Only recieving texts.

[Boginatorr]

Hello, I bought my sim card in 2016 in the UK, no problems at all, everything worked including on holidays abroad. I've moved out to Europe in 2021 and turned it off since. However a few days ago I've activated it back again, bougth PAYG pack and I only recive texts when crossing the borders (I'm currently traveling in central Europe). Nothing else works. I got signal, but can't make calls or use data. My EE app, or website shows my data allowance, so no issues there.

Do I have to use it in the UK first or what is the solution? Can it be activeded remotely by EE?

[Theolyn]

I'm in the UK and all my attempts to make calls say 'call ended' can't even call 150 to report problem. I see this was happening 19 December but I don't see any response on that occasion - that is to say I only saw comunity conversation and no reply from EE explaining problem..this is my first attemept to use the community to rais issues so I don't no the protocol for complaining direct to EE. I have just been moved from BT to EE in January. BT always reliable for years.

[Schockwave]

Hello @Boginatorr ,

Welcome to the community,

How long ago is it since you made a chargeable call or text?

You may want to check here, as it looks like your SIM card has gone into hibernation,  or number is lost forever if not used for six months or more, as they do get recycled.

[Schockwave]

Hello @Theolyn ,

Welcome to the community,

The same question to you, how long is it since you used your SIM card and did you make sure that it was activated?

If you have Skype you can ring customer service for free:

https://ee.co.uk/contact-ee/account-billing/mobile

You say you moved from BT to EE in January, did you get a PAC from BT? You would have needed a SIM card from EE, EE and BT are two different networks.

[XRaySpeX · Accepted solution]

@Boginatorr : Your PAYG SIM has been deactivated after such a long period of inactivity..

EE PAYG SIMs are deactivated after 6 months of non-chargeable 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.